Photo of Patricia C Kantzavelos, LCSW, MLIS, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Patricia C Kantzavelos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MLIS, MSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92116
As a chronic illness warrior/ spoonie, I completely understand what it feels like to sit on the other side of the couch (or, screen), and how important it is to chat with someone who 'gets it.
I specialize in chronic health conditions and trauma, which I understand first hand. Chronic medical conditions (i.e. dysautonomia POTS, EDS, Lyme disease, Bartonella, IBS, fibro, fatigue CFS, Hashimoto’s, mast cell MCAS, sickle cell disease, mold illness CIRS, etc.) often come with significant challenges, like fear, anxiety, grief, medical PTSD, and may interfere with relationships and daily function. I utilize various holistic evidence-based treatment modalities and practice-based evidence, contingent on each person’s needs and goals, with an added focus on mindfulness techniques, positive psychology, and strengths-based therapy.
As a chronic illness warrior/ spoonie, I completely understand what it feels like to sit on the other side of the couch (or, screen), and how important it is to chat with someone who 'gets it.
I specialize in chronic health conditions and trauma, which I understand first hand. Chronic medical conditions (i.e. dysautonomia POTS, EDS, Lyme disease, Bartonella, IBS, fibro, fatigue CFS, Hashimoto’s, mast cell MCAS, sickle cell disease, mold illness CIRS, etc.) often come with significant challenges, like fear, anxiety, grief, medical PTSD, and may interfere with relationships and daily function. I utilize various holistic evidence-based treatment modalities and practice-based evidence, contingent on each person’s needs and goals, with an added focus on mindfulness techniques, positive psychology, and strengths-based therapy.
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Photo of Susanna Lenkova Moneva - Susanna L. Moneva, MFT, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Susanna L. Moneva, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92117
Welcome to my page. If you are here, this means you are considering psychotherapy for yourself or a loved one. Relationship challenges, emotional pain and personal conflicts are part of our lives and sometimes we need support and advice in coping with them. I can help you by listening and trying to understand your point of view. Then I will share with you my understanding of your situation and my expertise in dealing with problems similar to yours. I will ask questions that will help you gain better insight into who you are. We will work together towards you achieving your goals in therapy.
Welcome to my page. If you are here, this means you are considering psychotherapy for yourself or a loved one. Relationship challenges, emotional pain and personal conflicts are part of our lives and sometimes we need support and advice in coping with them. I can help you by listening and trying to understand your point of view. Then I will share with you my understanding of your situation and my expertise in dealing with problems similar to yours. I will ask questions that will help you gain better insight into who you are. We will work together towards you achieving your goals in therapy.
(619) 577-4340 View (619) 577-4340
Photo of Genelle Weits García, PhD, Psychologist
Genelle Weits García
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92103
OPEN for NEW clients NOW. When your emotional or physical pain is telling you how to live your life, take back control! We can work together to get you back to engaging in the activities that matter to you. Join this decades-long expert in Chronic Pain, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Stress-Related Disorders, Trauma, and Relationship issues. We can determine what the best course of treatment is for you to reach your goals. Our ability to connect through building a trusting, genuine relationship, as well as using helpful tools, will improve your well-being. Call me up!
OPEN for NEW clients NOW. When your emotional or physical pain is telling you how to live your life, take back control! We can work together to get you back to engaging in the activities that matter to you. Join this decades-long expert in Chronic Pain, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Stress-Related Disorders, Trauma, and Relationship issues. We can determine what the best course of treatment is for you to reach your goals. Our ability to connect through building a trusting, genuine relationship, as well as using helpful tools, will improve your well-being. Call me up!
(858) 758-1657 View (858) 758-1657
Photo of Veronica Cardenas - Cancer Care Specialist, PhD, Psychologist
Veronica Cardenas - Cancer Care Specialist
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92128  (Online Only)
Everything is different now. Since your cancer diagnosis, your entire life has been turned upside down. The future that once felt so bright and full of potential now seems dark and frightening. Not long ago, your schedule was packed with dinners, dates, and vacations. Now, your calendar is all doctor appointments and hospital visits. The physical exhaustion and side effects of treatment pale in comparison to the emotional toll. You’re constantly wracked with fear over your illness. Loved ones offer support, but they don’t understand what you’re going through. You wonder if you’re going to feel this scared and lost forever.
Everything is different now. Since your cancer diagnosis, your entire life has been turned upside down. The future that once felt so bright and full of potential now seems dark and frightening. Not long ago, your schedule was packed with dinners, dates, and vacations. Now, your calendar is all doctor appointments and hospital visits. The physical exhaustion and side effects of treatment pale in comparison to the emotional toll. You’re constantly wracked with fear over your illness. Loved ones offer support, but they don’t understand what you’re going through. You wonder if you’re going to feel this scared and lost forever.
(858) 533-2745 View (858) 533-2745
Photo of Emily Jane Dailey, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Emily Jane Dailey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92116
Do you struggle with emotion regulation, relationship problems, body image, negative thoughts? Unprocessed trauma causes a lot of pain and can be confusing to navigate. It colors every aspect of our lives. I specialize in treating disordered eating, eating disorders, body image, anxiety and other women's health issues.
Do you struggle with emotion regulation, relationship problems, body image, negative thoughts? Unprocessed trauma causes a lot of pain and can be confusing to navigate. It colors every aspect of our lives. I specialize in treating disordered eating, eating disorders, body image, anxiety and other women's health issues.
(619) 393-4531 View (619) 393-4531
Photo of Gayle Henry, LCSW, SEP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gayle Henry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92103
I am a LCSW and Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner. I specialize in the treatment of PTSD, addiction, attachment/relational problems, chronic pain, & mood management. You may be interested in decreasing stress & increasing more embodiment. By getting more in touch with your sensations, emotions & thoughts you will not only increase body awareness, but will decrease the physical tension that results from trauma. Whether you are struggling from stress, unhelpful behaviors or difficulty managing your mood, together we can work to increase your resiliency, self-regulation skills and capacity to connect more easily with self & others.
I am a LCSW and Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner. I specialize in the treatment of PTSD, addiction, attachment/relational problems, chronic pain, & mood management. You may be interested in decreasing stress & increasing more embodiment. By getting more in touch with your sensations, emotions & thoughts you will not only increase body awareness, but will decrease the physical tension that results from trauma. Whether you are struggling from stress, unhelpful behaviors or difficulty managing your mood, together we can work to increase your resiliency, self-regulation skills and capacity to connect more easily with self & others.
(619) 762-3659 View (619) 762-3659
Photo of Tara Guden, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tara Guden
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92101
Often my clients have been in traditional talk therapy but something still felt missing or unaddressed. They come to me looking to deepen their mental and emotional well being with something more. Most of my clients struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, people pleasing, and/or boundary setting. Nearly all of my clients have experienced something in their lives that's left them changed in some way such as unhealthy romantic relationships, chronic illness, or a traumatic childhood.
Often my clients have been in traditional talk therapy but something still felt missing or unaddressed. They come to me looking to deepen their mental and emotional well being with something more. Most of my clients struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, people pleasing, and/or boundary setting. Nearly all of my clients have experienced something in their lives that's left them changed in some way such as unhealthy romantic relationships, chronic illness, or a traumatic childhood.
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Photo of Lauren Nelson, MSS, LCSW, LICSW, NET III, ART, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lauren Nelson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LCSW, LICSW, NET III, ART
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92101
I specialize in the integrative and holistic treatment of anxiety, depression, chronic pain and illness, health issues, life transitions, trauma, intimacy and relationship issues.
I create a nurturing and safe environment for you and loved ones to explore ways to reconnect with yourself and show up in relationships. I provide high quality integrative psychotherapy, Coaching, and application of Neuro-Emotional Technique, Applied Kinesiology, and bioenergetic healing to encourage healing at the unconscious level, releasing inherited emotional and intergenerational DNA. This allows for results in a shorter time frame. Together, we will tailor your path to healing and living the life you desire. I work with children, teens, and adults in the context of individual, family, and couples therapy, and groups.
I specialize in the integrative and holistic treatment of anxiety, depression, chronic pain and illness, health issues, life transitions, trauma, intimacy and relationship issues.
I create a nurturing and safe environment for you and loved ones to explore ways to reconnect with yourself and show up in relationships. I provide high quality integrative psychotherapy, Coaching, and application of Neuro-Emotional Technique, Applied Kinesiology, and bioenergetic healing to encourage healing at the unconscious level, releasing inherited emotional and intergenerational DNA. This allows for results in a shorter time frame. Together, we will tailor your path to healing and living the life you desire. I work with children, teens, and adults in the context of individual, family, and couples therapy, and groups.
(425) 549-9698 View (425) 549-9698
Photo of Marilee Alice Valine-Foley, MA, LMFT, MS, Educ, Marriage & Family Therapist
Marilee Alice Valine-Foley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, MS, Educ
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92110
Family issues, relationship conflict, addiction, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, or chronic illness I can help.
Do you worry all the time? Stay awake thinking about your future or ruminating about the past? I can help you navigate many of life's challenges. As a therapist working with a diverse group in an outpatient hospital setting and prior teacher for 22 years has provided extensive experience which allows me to assist you get better. Growing up in a military family I have experienced many of the unique problems military families face and can help. Feeling overwhelmed, angry or sad are normal emotions and times can be difficult to manage. I can help you develop skills and coping strategies to improve your self, life and relationships.
Family issues, relationship conflict, addiction, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, or chronic illness I can help.
Do you worry all the time? Stay awake thinking about your future or ruminating about the past? I can help you navigate many of life's challenges. As a therapist working with a diverse group in an outpatient hospital setting and prior teacher for 22 years has provided extensive experience which allows me to assist you get better. Growing up in a military family I have experienced many of the unique problems military families face and can help. Feeling overwhelmed, angry or sad are normal emotions and times can be difficult to manage. I can help you develop skills and coping strategies to improve your self, life and relationships.
(619) 473-4130 View (619) 473-4130
Photo of Yvonne Venger, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Yvonne Venger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92122
From personal and professional experience, being a close relative of those suffering chronic illness as well as their caregivers, and as a professional working with caregivers, I know how exhausting and incredibly stressfuI that can be.
My goal as a psychotherapist is to work with my clients to help them heal from their pain, make positive changes in their lives, and improve their sense of well-being. My background includes working with people of all ages and backgrounds, and extensive experience treating anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, stress management, life transitions, school stress, relationship issues, pre and post-partum concerns, and caregiver stress. I provide individual, couples, family and group therapy.
From personal and professional experience, being a close relative of those suffering chronic illness as well as their caregivers, and as a professional working with caregivers, I know how exhausting and incredibly stressfuI that can be.
My goal as a psychotherapist is to work with my clients to help them heal from their pain, make positive changes in their lives, and improve their sense of well-being. My background includes working with people of all ages and backgrounds, and extensive experience treating anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, stress management, life transitions, school stress, relationship issues, pre and post-partum concerns, and caregiver stress. I provide individual, couples, family and group therapy.
(858) 450-9112 View (858) 450-9112
Photo of Monika - Grace, PhD, MDiv, ThM, MA, Psychologist
Monika - Grace
Psychologist, PhD, MDiv, ThM, MA
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92115
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 Dr. Josh Thomas, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Josh Thomas
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92101
Hello, I am a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in substance addiction, trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, work stress, relationship problems, grief and loss, and chronic pain. With an emphasis in connecting to and living from personal values, my approach is highly compassionate, culturally sensitive, strengths-based, and evidenced-based. My treatment specialty includes Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help heal psychological wounds that are blocking you from living an enriched and empowered life.
Hello, I am a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in substance addiction, trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, work stress, relationship problems, grief and loss, and chronic pain. With an emphasis in connecting to and living from personal values, my approach is highly compassionate, culturally sensitive, strengths-based, and evidenced-based. My treatment specialty includes Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help heal psychological wounds that are blocking you from living an enriched and empowered life.
(858) 413-9160 View (858) 413-9160
Photo of Phuong Le, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Phuong Le
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92126  (Online Only)
I use humor and compassion to provide some reprieve from personal pain and offer honesty to dispel personal inaccurate myths.
Hello, My name is Phuong Le. I am a Vietnamese bilingual psychotherapist who would like to bring therapy to people who feel therapy is only accessible to just the few. I am particularly passionate about offering services to people experiencing marginalization. I have been trained in psychodynamic approaches, objects-relations theory, cognitive behavioral therapy approaches and use mindfulness as an integral part of of work with clients. I have worked as a direct service clinician, manager, Clinical Supervisor, and overseeing contracts for mental health provider agencies. I have dedicatedly career to empower and enhance the voice
I use humor and compassion to provide some reprieve from personal pain and offer honesty to dispel personal inaccurate myths.
Hello, My name is Phuong Le. I am a Vietnamese bilingual psychotherapist who would like to bring therapy to people who feel therapy is only accessible to just the few. I am particularly passionate about offering services to people experiencing marginalization. I have been trained in psychodynamic approaches, objects-relations theory, cognitive behavioral therapy approaches and use mindfulness as an integral part of of work with clients. I have worked as a direct service clinician, manager, Clinical Supervisor, and overseeing contracts for mental health provider agencies. I have dedicatedly career to empower and enhance the voice
(341) 766-0650 View (341) 766-0650
Photo of Michelle Susan Webber, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michelle Susan Webber
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92104  (Online Only)
I have worked with couples, individuals, and families, adolescents in crisis, the LGBTQ+ community, women in treatment, addicts/recovering addicts, HIV and AIDS, sufferers of chronic pain, people dealing with grief and loss, and those interested in pursuing mindfulness.
Licensed in California - Psychotherapist, Addiction Specialist and Life Coach. Living life to the fullest is an adventure. It takes courage to go forward, to harness the power within. This is where Psychotherapy and Life Coaching meet. This is an opportunity to help you make smart choices and assist you in finding a sense of peace and acceptance while you move forward in your life. I am available to help you reach your personal and professional goals. I have studied mindfulness and work with clients who want to know more about it and embrace it. I look forward to hearing from you.
I have worked with couples, individuals, and families, adolescents in crisis, the LGBTQ+ community, women in treatment, addicts/recovering addicts, HIV and AIDS, sufferers of chronic pain, people dealing with grief and loss, and those interested in pursuing mindfulness.
Licensed in California - Psychotherapist, Addiction Specialist and Life Coach. Living life to the fullest is an adventure. It takes courage to go forward, to harness the power within. This is where Psychotherapy and Life Coaching meet. This is an opportunity to help you make smart choices and assist you in finding a sense of peace and acceptance while you move forward in your life. I am available to help you reach your personal and professional goals. I have studied mindfulness and work with clients who want to know more about it and embrace it. I look forward to hearing from you.
(323) 523-5957 View (323) 523-5957
Photo of Dr. Kimberly Madakasira, PhD, LPC, LPCC, C-IYT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Kimberly Madakasira
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, LPCC, C-IYT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92101  (Online Only)
I am a licensed professional counselor, Health Psychologist and an International Certified Yoga Therapist. I have been a licensed professional counselor since 2000 with experience treating adults utilizing various techniques and therapies in both group and individual settings. I provide CBT, Mindfulness, Yoga Therapy, etc. which have been shown to be beneficial for depression, anxiety, bipolar, trauma, eating disorders among other issues. I obtained my PhD in Health Psychology from Walden University where I studied somatic issues. My areas of interest include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and health issues.
I am a licensed professional counselor, Health Psychologist and an International Certified Yoga Therapist. I have been a licensed professional counselor since 2000 with experience treating adults utilizing various techniques and therapies in both group and individual settings. I provide CBT, Mindfulness, Yoga Therapy, etc. which have been shown to be beneficial for depression, anxiety, bipolar, trauma, eating disorders among other issues. I obtained my PhD in Health Psychology from Walden University where I studied somatic issues. My areas of interest include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and health issues.
(769) 500-1371 View (769) 500-1371
Photo of Linda Williams - Well Psychology, Inc, PhD, CGP
Well Psychology, Inc
PhD, CGP
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92130  (Online Only)
Our patients at Well are diverse and come to us exactly as they are. We provide clinical care to patients neglected in the traditional in-person mental health care treatment model, and we focus on delivering evidence-based treatments that work, tailored to your needs. We partner with patients to eliminate barriers like access, stigma, or cost, and our patients feel at home no matter where they are with our patient-centered clinicians. We are California’s online solution to today’s mental health challenges: patient-centered, modern, collaborative. Well is here for you.
Our patients at Well are diverse and come to us exactly as they are. We provide clinical care to patients neglected in the traditional in-person mental health care treatment model, and we focus on delivering evidence-based treatments that work, tailored to your needs. We partner with patients to eliminate barriers like access, stigma, or cost, and our patients feel at home no matter where they are with our patient-centered clinicians. We are California’s online solution to today’s mental health challenges: patient-centered, modern, collaborative. Well is here for you.
(858) 251-8048 View (858) 251-8048
Photo of Julia Mendoza, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Julia Mendoza
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92110
Hello I'm Julia Mendoza, a therapist providing therapy throughout the state of California. I have experience working with children and adults, in the areas of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, LGBT+ issues, OCD, personality disorders, family problems, relationship and partner conflict, and traumas. I truly enjoy helping others and I have been told that I am funny, genuine, open-minded, and a good listener. Se habla Español!
Hello I'm Julia Mendoza, a therapist providing therapy throughout the state of California. I have experience working with children and adults, in the areas of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, LGBT+ issues, OCD, personality disorders, family problems, relationship and partner conflict, and traumas. I truly enjoy helping others and I have been told that I am funny, genuine, open-minded, and a good listener. Se habla Español!
(951) 438-7873 View (951) 438-7873
Photo of Autumn Backhaus, PhD, Psychologist
Autumn Backhaus
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92122
I believe that people have the capacity for amazing feats of growth and change and as a psychologist my role is to partner with my clients as they take this great journey. Change and growth are not always easy, doing something different than what you used to can feel overwhelming. I am here to provide a affirming, culturally humble, supportive, safe, nonjudgmental therapeutic environment that allows for you to further explore the issues you are struggling with and to make the most effective changes to better handle life's challenges, while also striving toward living a meaningful and fulfilling life.
I believe that people have the capacity for amazing feats of growth and change and as a psychologist my role is to partner with my clients as they take this great journey. Change and growth are not always easy, doing something different than what you used to can feel overwhelming. I am here to provide a affirming, culturally humble, supportive, safe, nonjudgmental therapeutic environment that allows for you to further explore the issues you are struggling with and to make the most effective changes to better handle life's challenges, while also striving toward living a meaningful and fulfilling life.
(858) 251-7091 View (858) 251-7091
Photo of Tanya Hilber - San Diego Therapy Center & Neurofeedback , PsyD, Psychologist
San Diego Therapy Center & Neurofeedback
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
Neurofeedback is able to help children, teenagers, and adults who have experienced Trauma, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), ADHD and Anxiety disorders as well as a variety of other mental health symptoms. Neurofeedback, also called EEG Biofeedback or brain training, helps train your brain to self-regulate and correct issues that impact your optimal functioning. A self-regulated brain improves the functioning of the central nervous system, mental performance, emotional regulation, and physiological stability. A dysregulated brain has difficulty calming down at appropriate moments, adding physiological symptoms.
Neurofeedback is able to help children, teenagers, and adults who have experienced Trauma, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), ADHD and Anxiety disorders as well as a variety of other mental health symptoms. Neurofeedback, also called EEG Biofeedback or brain training, helps train your brain to self-regulate and correct issues that impact your optimal functioning. A self-regulated brain improves the functioning of the central nervous system, mental performance, emotional regulation, and physiological stability. A dysregulated brain has difficulty calming down at appropriate moments, adding physiological symptoms.
(619) 304-6506 View (619) 304-6506
Photo of Katharine Lacefield, PhD, ABPP, Psychologist
Katharine Lacefield
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92102
After experiencing a traumatic or stressful event, you may find that you feel different: perhaps you move between feeling overwhelmed by fear, shame, anger, or sadness, to numbing out; maybe your world has gotten smaller as you avoid doing things you used to love; or you may have noticed your thoughts about yourself, the world, and other people start to change such that control, trust, and safety have become difficult themes for you. Additionally, maybe you notice your sleep has worsened, making everything harder. Trauma and stress take a toll on all aspects of your life, but you don't have to battle it alone.
After experiencing a traumatic or stressful event, you may find that you feel different: perhaps you move between feeling overwhelmed by fear, shame, anger, or sadness, to numbing out; maybe your world has gotten smaller as you avoid doing things you used to love; or you may have noticed your thoughts about yourself, the world, and other people start to change such that control, trust, and safety have become difficult themes for you. Additionally, maybe you notice your sleep has worsened, making everything harder. Trauma and stress take a toll on all aspects of your life, but you don't have to battle it alone.
(619) 485-6959 View (619) 485-6959
1
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.