Chronic Pain Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA
I have nearly 20 years of experience treating Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, along with chronic pain, anxiety and mood disorders.
If you are struggling with an eating disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety/phobia, depression/ bipolar, chronic pain/ medical condition, sleep disturbance, or dual diagnosis/ substance abuse, you will find that my treatment framework allows you make considerable progress in symptom reduction each week. To bolster our in-person psychotherapy sessions, I provide email exchange throughout the week (at no additional cost) to help you make further progress toward your treatment goals. You will find me to be very accessible, knowledgeable, compassionate, and effective at addressing your specific therapy needs, and you will make important life changes more quickly than imagined.
I have nearly 20 years of experience treating Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, along with chronic pain, anxiety and mood disorders.
If you are struggling with an eating disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety/phobia, depression/ bipolar, chronic pain/ medical condition, sleep disturbance, or dual diagnosis/ substance abuse, you will find that my treatment framework allows you make considerable progress in symptom reduction each week. To bolster our in-person psychotherapy sessions, I provide email exchange throughout the week (at no additional cost) to help you make further progress toward your treatment goals. You will find me to be very accessible, knowledgeable, compassionate, and effective at addressing your specific therapy needs, and you will make important life changes more quickly than imagined.
I know how disabling it can be to live with chronic pain because I've been there.
The problems have been chronic and disabling, and very real. Not "all in your head." If you are reading this, chances are you've seen doctors and other providers, tests have been run, diagnoses have been proposed, and treatments have been attempted, but all to no avail. I would like to introduce a new paradigm, drawing on the role of the brain and nervous system in regulating the state of the body. Whether you have chronic pain, a functional disorder, or other medically unexplained symptoms, there is hope for recovery under the psychophysiologic (mind-body) paradigm.
I know how disabling it can be to live with chronic pain because I've been there.
The problems have been chronic and disabling, and very real. Not "all in your head." If you are reading this, chances are you've seen doctors and other providers, tests have been run, diagnoses have been proposed, and treatments have been attempted, but all to no avail. I would like to introduce a new paradigm, drawing on the role of the brain and nervous system in regulating the state of the body. Whether you have chronic pain, a functional disorder, or other medically unexplained symptoms, there is hope for recovery under the psychophysiologic (mind-body) paradigm.
I have experience in Mindfulness-Based Treatments to improve quality of life and help cope with both chronic illness and recovery as well as everyday life stressors.
Everyone has the capacity to make positive changes whether they be large or small if they are motivated to do so. Therapy can be a helpful tool to help you acheive your goals and/or explore emotions that are difficult to deal with alone. I prefer to work collaboratively with my clients to develop a treatment plan that works. Therapy can be hard work and it's important that you are comfortable with how your treatment is progressing.
I have experience in Mindfulness-Based Treatments to improve quality of life and help cope with both chronic illness and recovery as well as everyday life stressors.
Everyone has the capacity to make positive changes whether they be large or small if they are motivated to do so. Therapy can be a helpful tool to help you acheive your goals and/or explore emotions that are difficult to deal with alone. I prefer to work collaboratively with my clients to develop a treatment plan that works. Therapy can be hard work and it's important that you are comfortable with how your treatment is progressing.
Thomas Steffora
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Waitlist for new clients
In my work with individuals and couples, depression and anxiety are frequently cited; but so too are medical problems, chronic pain, addiction issues, and effects on the family.
Rather than feel like the future is known and already laid out with predictable patterns of suffering, I'd like to suggest that perhaps this thought/feeling is an understandable predicament but one that is inherently false. The future is uncertain. It is a road not yet traveled. Working with someone who approaches life and relationships with this perspective may be an important piece of seeing what possibilities are present.
In my work with individuals and couples, depression and anxiety are frequently cited; but so too are medical problems, chronic pain, addiction issues, and effects on the family.
Rather than feel like the future is known and already laid out with predictable patterns of suffering, I'd like to suggest that perhaps this thought/feeling is an understandable predicament but one that is inherently false. The future is uncertain. It is a road not yet traveled. Working with someone who approaches life and relationships with this perspective may be an important piece of seeing what possibilities are present.
Michelle Matoff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PsyD, CBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I am a Psy.D, LCSW with +25 years of experience. I have lived and worked in diverse social environments (USA, UK, Brazil, and Australia) and specialize in the treatment of anxiety, stress management, chronic pain management, codependency, compulsive overeating, pre-bariatric surgery evaluations, and post-bariatric surgery support.(1) In addition, my practice focuses on life transitions e.g. adjusting to college life, balancing school, career and relationships, aging, and loss of health. I work with you to improve the quality of your life.
I am a Psy.D, LCSW with +25 years of experience. I have lived and worked in diverse social environments (USA, UK, Brazil, and Australia) and specialize in the treatment of anxiety, stress management, chronic pain management, codependency, compulsive overeating, pre-bariatric surgery evaluations, and post-bariatric surgery support.(1) In addition, my practice focuses on life transitions e.g. adjusting to college life, balancing school, career and relationships, aging, and loss of health. I work with you to improve the quality of your life.
Karen McGuffey
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 (Online Only)
I provide trauma informed therapy and work with individuals experiencing trauma, PTSD, grief and loss, chronic pain, addiction, anxiety, depression, difficulty with life transitions and relationships, and difficulty managing intense emotions.
Are you seeking a safe therapeutic environment where you can resolve issues, deal with internal emotional conflicts, heal and move forward in life. In my practice, I provide my clients with real help and real hope so they can recover and discover the person they were meant to be.
I provide trauma informed therapy and work with individuals experiencing trauma, PTSD, grief and loss, chronic pain, addiction, anxiety, depression, difficulty with life transitions and relationships, and difficulty managing intense emotions.
Are you seeking a safe therapeutic environment where you can resolve issues, deal with internal emotional conflicts, heal and move forward in life. In my practice, I provide my clients with real help and real hope so they can recover and discover the person they were meant to be.
I specialize in emotional distress (anxiety, depression), relationship/sexual concerns, chronic health/ pain, young adults, and family concerns.
My clients seek a safe, non-judgmental, space where they can show up authentically, receive support navigating painful experiences, find ways to cope and manage distress, and to have an objective "sounding board." Often clients hope to process the impact that their experiences have had on them while identifying ways they can create changes that will allow them to live their lives in ways that are fulfilling, meaningful, and values-driven.
I specialize in emotional distress (anxiety, depression), relationship/sexual concerns, chronic health/ pain, young adults, and family concerns.
My clients seek a safe, non-judgmental, space where they can show up authentically, receive support navigating painful experiences, find ways to cope and manage distress, and to have an objective "sounding board." Often clients hope to process the impact that their experiences have had on them while identifying ways they can create changes that will allow them to live their lives in ways that are fulfilling, meaningful, and values-driven.
Processing our inner pain, confusion and injustices, can turn our defensiveness into cooperativeness.
Currently, I'm mostly using Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with my clients. When, as a child, we find ourselves traumatizing or trapped in negative circumstances, parts of our self system compensate by locking away that which at that time was too much for us to handle. Later, if we do not go back to this locked away material, the pain, confusion and injustice of what happened to us long ago, can get triggered, or, awakened, when similar such challenges arise in the present. IFS provides a safe way for that locked away material to be approached and reprocessed, allowing our core self to take back control of our lives.
Processing our inner pain, confusion and injustices, can turn our defensiveness into cooperativeness.
Currently, I'm mostly using Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with my clients. When, as a child, we find ourselves traumatizing or trapped in negative circumstances, parts of our self system compensate by locking away that which at that time was too much for us to handle. Later, if we do not go back to this locked away material, the pain, confusion and injustice of what happened to us long ago, can get triggered, or, awakened, when similar such challenges arise in the present. IFS provides a safe way for that locked away material to be approached and reprocessed, allowing our core self to take back control of our lives.
I have completed the comprehensive CBT, DBT and ACT trainings, as well as specialized training for the treatment of OCD and related disorders (ERP), Anxiety and related disorders (exposure-based CBT), Depression (CBT, ACT Behavioral Activation), PTSD (CPT and PE), Chronic Pain (CBT-CP), insomnia (CBT-I), and psychosis (CBT).
I am a licensed clinical psychologist offering evidence-based treatment for anxiety and related disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, trauma and other stress related disorders, mood disorders, well as psychosis. My frame of work is based on CBT, including mindfulness based approach, as well as DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) to enhance distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), which is a values-based CBT focusing on willingness, commitment, and valued-action towards a meaningful, fulfilling, and vital life.
I have completed the comprehensive CBT, DBT and ACT trainings, as well as specialized training for the treatment of OCD and related disorders (ERP), Anxiety and related disorders (exposure-based CBT), Depression (CBT, ACT Behavioral Activation), PTSD (CPT and PE), Chronic Pain (CBT-CP), insomnia (CBT-I), and psychosis (CBT).
I am a licensed clinical psychologist offering evidence-based treatment for anxiety and related disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, trauma and other stress related disorders, mood disorders, well as psychosis. My frame of work is based on CBT, including mindfulness based approach, as well as DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) to enhance distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), which is a values-based CBT focusing on willingness, commitment, and valued-action towards a meaningful, fulfilling, and vital life.
Alicia Dueck
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
I am passionate about working with highly sensitive individuals, deep thinkers, empaths, healers, and those experiencing compassion fatigue or complex pain syndromes.
Welcome! I'm a therapist dedicated to providing a transformative healing experience, where science meets intuition. With a deep understanding of the human experience, I offer a safe and nurturing space for those seeking profound insight and healing. My approach blends evidence-based practices with a keen intuitive sense, allowing me to quickly identify the root causes of distress. Whether you’re dealing with complex PTSD, navigating recovery from addiction, stuck in unhealthy patterns, or managing bipolar disorder, I am here to support you. I specialize in polyvagal theory, EMDR, DBT, internal family systems, and ego state therapy.
I am passionate about working with highly sensitive individuals, deep thinkers, empaths, healers, and those experiencing compassion fatigue or complex pain syndromes.
Welcome! I'm a therapist dedicated to providing a transformative healing experience, where science meets intuition. With a deep understanding of the human experience, I offer a safe and nurturing space for those seeking profound insight and healing. My approach blends evidence-based practices with a keen intuitive sense, allowing me to quickly identify the root causes of distress. Whether you’re dealing with complex PTSD, navigating recovery from addiction, stuck in unhealthy patterns, or managing bipolar disorder, I am here to support you. I specialize in polyvagal theory, EMDR, DBT, internal family systems, and ego state therapy.
Katie Boucher
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
I have worked with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, chronic illness, eating disorders, relationship issues, trauma, grief - and more.
Everyone has the capacity to change what's not working. My goal is to help you get to know all parts of yourself and understand that you are already in possession of a vast amount of resources for self-understanding, acceptance, and change. By showing appreciation for all parts of yourself, while focusing on your strengths and potentials, we will work to increase balance and well-being in your life.
I have worked with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, chronic illness, eating disorders, relationship issues, trauma, grief - and more.
Everyone has the capacity to change what's not working. My goal is to help you get to know all parts of yourself and understand that you are already in possession of a vast amount of resources for self-understanding, acceptance, and change. By showing appreciation for all parts of yourself, while focusing on your strengths and potentials, we will work to increase balance and well-being in your life.
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I believe in the human capacity to heal, accept, love, and grow from our life experiences. Our most treasured beliefs and relationships help us through the pain and difficult times in life. I believe there is no point so low from which we cannot only recover, but gain wisdom and strength as well. Therefore, I focus my treatment style on emotional and character growth, rather than simple symptom reduction.
I believe in the human capacity to heal, accept, love, and grow from our life experiences. Our most treasured beliefs and relationships help us through the pain and difficult times in life. I believe there is no point so low from which we cannot only recover, but gain wisdom and strength as well. Therefore, I focus my treatment style on emotional and character growth, rather than simple symptom reduction.
Dr Holli Stewart & Associates in Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS , MA, LMFT, PhD
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Dr. Holli Stewart has multiple specialties in Psychology with two Masters, PHD & 30 years of experience. w/children as young as 2 years, teens, adults & couples. Her specialties include: Play Therapy, PTSD, ADHD, Anxiety w/ Panic, Family conflict (such as past or current abuse, domestic violence, & reunification), Depression, Chronic Pain, & OCD. In general self esteem, life transition skills & identifying patterns that contribute to current stressors are incorporated into care. Dr Stewart also treats anger substance & co-dependency. She’s written a psychological advice column for 24 years,taught classes and many news & radio shows.
Dr. Holli Stewart has multiple specialties in Psychology with two Masters, PHD & 30 years of experience. w/children as young as 2 years, teens, adults & couples. Her specialties include: Play Therapy, PTSD, ADHD, Anxiety w/ Panic, Family conflict (such as past or current abuse, domestic violence, & reunification), Depression, Chronic Pain, & OCD. In general self esteem, life transition skills & identifying patterns that contribute to current stressors are incorporated into care. Dr Stewart also treats anger substance & co-dependency. She’s written a psychological advice column for 24 years,taught classes and many news & radio shows.
Owen Renert
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93402 (Online Only)
I support clients going through health struggles and navigating the mental health effects of chronic illness.
Hi there! I’m Owen (they/them)! I am LGBT, neurodivergent, chronically ill, and a dancer. I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who has spent my life finding meaning in the little things (like my guinea pigs). I believe with my whole heart that therapy is a way to embrace weirdness as the true reality of humanity. My clients are those who struggle with Intimacy, Multicultural Navigation, Relationships, Anxiety, OCD, Chronic Illness, and Phase of Life difficulties. Talk therapy isn't always enough so I incorporate lots of different kinds of therapy to meet your unique needs.
I support clients going through health struggles and navigating the mental health effects of chronic illness.
Hi there! I’m Owen (they/them)! I am LGBT, neurodivergent, chronically ill, and a dancer. I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who has spent my life finding meaning in the little things (like my guinea pigs). I believe with my whole heart that therapy is a way to embrace weirdness as the true reality of humanity. My clients are those who struggle with Intimacy, Multicultural Navigation, Relationships, Anxiety, OCD, Chronic Illness, and Phase of Life difficulties. Talk therapy isn't always enough so I incorporate lots of different kinds of therapy to meet your unique needs.
Anthony Paul Martello
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Are you afraid, confused, or struggling with your relationships? I work with client(s) dealing with interpersonal issues and communication challenges. It may be a husband and wife re-defining their roles with life changes, or an individual considering a career change. The problem often reveals itself at the surface when arguing and verbal conflict ensue, but the source of the problem needs a deeper adjustment, such as adjusting roles or providing more support for a family member. Regardless, clear communication usually allows the individual, couple, or family to achieve the goal of collaboration and compromise.
Are you afraid, confused, or struggling with your relationships? I work with client(s) dealing with interpersonal issues and communication challenges. It may be a husband and wife re-defining their roles with life changes, or an individual considering a career change. The problem often reveals itself at the surface when arguing and verbal conflict ensue, but the source of the problem needs a deeper adjustment, such as adjusting roles or providing more support for a family member. Regardless, clear communication usually allows the individual, couple, or family to achieve the goal of collaboration and compromise.
Ashley Smith - Balasana Therapeutic Arts
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, RYT200
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
I have 20 years experience working with stressed and traumatized youth in the foster and probation systems; as a full-time therapist with County Mental Health for 12 years I gained much experience and training as a specialist in stress, trauma and sexual abuse. I’m excited to be available to serve parents, youth, and adults seeking to heal from developmental stress or trauma. I use directive, engaging and short-term interventions to facilitate your power to restore a sense of peace and control in your life. I want to help you create the life you know you deserve, you are not the problem and you will see, you can be the solution.
I have 20 years experience working with stressed and traumatized youth in the foster and probation systems; as a full-time therapist with County Mental Health for 12 years I gained much experience and training as a specialist in stress, trauma and sexual abuse. I’m excited to be available to serve parents, youth, and adults seeking to heal from developmental stress or trauma. I use directive, engaging and short-term interventions to facilitate your power to restore a sense of peace and control in your life. I want to help you create the life you know you deserve, you are not the problem and you will see, you can be the solution.
My primary focus in private practice is evaluation and assessment for a variety of psychological conditions, such as ADHD, Autism, Mood Disorders, Learning Disabilities and Personality Disorders.
The second focus I have is treatment. I have an integrative approach to therapy in which I use multiple modalities that fit my clients’ individual needs. Some of the modalities I use are interpersonal therapy, supportive therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I also view other factors that can affect the client, such as cultural, medical, and environmental factors.
My primary focus in private practice is evaluation and assessment for a variety of psychological conditions, such as ADHD, Autism, Mood Disorders, Learning Disabilities and Personality Disorders.
The second focus I have is treatment. I have an integrative approach to therapy in which I use multiple modalities that fit my clients’ individual needs. Some of the modalities I use are interpersonal therapy, supportive therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I also view other factors that can affect the client, such as cultural, medical, and environmental factors.
Mary M Kunz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 (Online Only)
All emotions have a job - to bring something to our attention, to give us information about our world, sometimes to give us the physical energy to take action. I see my role as a therapist would be to help you better understand yourself, and when it fits to teach you tools and skills so that you can be effective in your life. I can be a guide and an ally through many challenges - these include depression and anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, caregiving, life-threatening illnesses, grief and loss. Whatever emotion or situation led you to seek help, you can use it to heal your life.
All emotions have a job - to bring something to our attention, to give us information about our world, sometimes to give us the physical energy to take action. I see my role as a therapist would be to help you better understand yourself, and when it fits to teach you tools and skills so that you can be effective in your life. I can be a guide and an ally through many challenges - these include depression and anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, caregiving, life-threatening illnesses, grief and loss. Whatever emotion or situation led you to seek help, you can use it to heal your life.
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step" - Lao Tzu. Having the courage to work on yourself to reach your full potential does not have to happen alone. As a psychologist and cancer survivor, I've experienced physical and emotional challenges that led to positive and healthy lifestyle changes. I hope to use these experiences to help others on their journey with emotional issues, chronic medical conditions, grief, life transition issues, or those who want to improve nutrition and lifestyle. I hope to walk this journey with you in order to facilitate growth and healing.
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step" - Lao Tzu. Having the courage to work on yourself to reach your full potential does not have to happen alone. As a psychologist and cancer survivor, I've experienced physical and emotional challenges that led to positive and healthy lifestyle changes. I hope to use these experiences to help others on their journey with emotional issues, chronic medical conditions, grief, life transition issues, or those who want to improve nutrition and lifestyle. I hope to walk this journey with you in order to facilitate growth and healing.
Augusta Gordon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R, SIFI, RYT 200
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I am taking new clients in California, and focusing on psychedelic prep, integration, and facilitation within psychotherapy both individually and in a group. I can support you in better understanding your symptoms and behaviors, and help you to move through the stages of change. I use a person-centered approach to help clients access their inner-guide and believe that we all carry the answers we need for ourselves.
I am taking new clients in California, and focusing on psychedelic prep, integration, and facilitation within psychotherapy both individually and in a group. I can support you in better understanding your symptoms and behaviors, and help you to move through the stages of change. I use a person-centered approach to help clients access their inner-guide and believe that we all carry the answers we need for ourselves.
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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.