Chronic Pain Therapists in San Francisco, CA
Natasha Smolkin
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Dr. Natasha Smolkin is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with patients who struggle with chronic pain, stress and anxiety, addiction, interpersonal challenges, depression, self-esteem issues, and many more of life’s mental wellness obstacles. She utilizes an integrative, strength-based approach, which focuses on cultivating sense-of-efficacy around changes, obstacles, and goals.
Dr. Natasha Smolkin is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with patients who struggle with chronic pain, stress and anxiety, addiction, interpersonal challenges, depression, self-esteem issues, and many more of life’s mental wellness obstacles. She utilizes an integrative, strength-based approach, which focuses on cultivating sense-of-efficacy around changes, obstacles, and goals.
I offer a safe and comforting place for you to more deeply connect with yourself, learn tools to mitigate stress and physical and emotional pain and allow yourself to heal.
Even the most capable and intelligent person will sometimes need help. My clients include professionals, supervisors, executives, and healthcare providers who seek to better manage the stressors of their professional and personal lives. I create a safe and comfortable environment where you can learn how to decrease stress and anxiety, sleep better, reduce or eliminate pain, live well with chronic illness, resolve past trauma and stop self-limiting behaviors. My over 25 years of experience and training enables me to tailor therapeutic interventions to your needs.
I offer a safe and comforting place for you to more deeply connect with yourself, learn tools to mitigate stress and physical and emotional pain and allow yourself to heal.
Even the most capable and intelligent person will sometimes need help. My clients include professionals, supervisors, executives, and healthcare providers who seek to better manage the stressors of their professional and personal lives. I create a safe and comfortable environment where you can learn how to decrease stress and anxiety, sleep better, reduce or eliminate pain, live well with chronic illness, resolve past trauma and stop self-limiting behaviors. My over 25 years of experience and training enables me to tailor therapeutic interventions to your needs.
Shallyn Wells
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, JD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
This can look like grappling with your relationship (or society’s relationship) to: trauma, queerness/gender identity, burnout, growing up, messiness, chronic pain/illness, anxiety/depression, attachment patterns, and relationship models/transitions.
Welcome! I’m Shallyn, a queer, non-binary somatic therapist. I work with adults, teens, and relationships. I believe that healing happens "at the speed of trust," in relationship, and beyond the binaries of good/bad, broken/healed. I believe that the healing container we make together will be a space where you can start where you are (as the world’s expert of your own lived and felt experience); where you can notice and honor what your body is already doing to heal and protect itself; and where you can exist beyond stifling binaries and norms in unfolding relationship to your body, yourself, your people, and your world.
This can look like grappling with your relationship (or society’s relationship) to: trauma, queerness/gender identity, burnout, growing up, messiness, chronic pain/illness, anxiety/depression, attachment patterns, and relationship models/transitions.
Welcome! I’m Shallyn, a queer, non-binary somatic therapist. I work with adults, teens, and relationships. I believe that healing happens "at the speed of trust," in relationship, and beyond the binaries of good/bad, broken/healed. I believe that the healing container we make together will be a space where you can start where you are (as the world’s expert of your own lived and felt experience); where you can notice and honor what your body is already doing to heal and protect itself; and where you can exist beyond stifling binaries and norms in unfolding relationship to your body, yourself, your people, and your world.
Pauline Wakeham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94127
I help people to heal that pain.
Are you having trouble getting over a past shock or trauma?
Are you frequently in overwhelm/collapse?
Are you constantly bracing against danger, ready to fight or run away?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, I can help.
I specialize in working with people who have experienced being overwhelmed by events and experiences that have shaken their very foundations.
I take time to assess your personal stress/trauma history and provide guidance and support to assist you in your recovery.
I also help couples create sustained improvement in their relationship, creating more effective communication and fulfilling relationships.
I help people to heal that pain.
Are you having trouble getting over a past shock or trauma?
Are you frequently in overwhelm/collapse?
Are you constantly bracing against danger, ready to fight or run away?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, I can help.
I specialize in working with people who have experienced being overwhelmed by events and experiences that have shaken their very foundations.
I take time to assess your personal stress/trauma history and provide guidance and support to assist you in your recovery.
I also help couples create sustained improvement in their relationship, creating more effective communication and fulfilling relationships.
Are you feeling disappointment and dissatisfaction with your current circumstances, relationships, work, or the world at large? I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families navigating through heightened stress, challenging interpersonal dynamics, grief, and the complexities of chronic pain or illness. I often work with people who feel "different" and who may have experienced deep feelings of otherness throughout their lives. This includes children of immigrants, neurodiverse individuals, survivors of complex trauma/abuse, and those who identify with minority status in one or more ways.
Are you feeling disappointment and dissatisfaction with your current circumstances, relationships, work, or the world at large? I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families navigating through heightened stress, challenging interpersonal dynamics, grief, and the complexities of chronic pain or illness. I often work with people who feel "different" and who may have experienced deep feelings of otherness throughout their lives. This includes children of immigrants, neurodiverse individuals, survivors of complex trauma/abuse, and those who identify with minority status in one or more ways.
I specialize in treating clients with pain and chronic illness management issues.
I am most experienced in working with people with pain, illness, addictions, anxiety and depression. I use interpersonal and cognitive approaches to these issues, and believe that the client is best able to assist in selecting the types of approaches best suited to them.
I specialize in treating clients with pain and chronic illness management issues.
I am most experienced in working with people with pain, illness, addictions, anxiety and depression. I use interpersonal and cognitive approaches to these issues, and believe that the client is best able to assist in selecting the types of approaches best suited to them.
I offer a warm and dynamic space where we can explore and address your pain and suffering, and what's been keeping you stuck. I specialize in prenatal and postpartum mental health, OCD, and the behavioral treatment of chronic pain conditions. I also have a sub-focus on female pelvic pain conditions such as endometriosis, painful sex (sexual health), vulvodynia and vaginismus.
I offer a warm and dynamic space where we can explore and address your pain and suffering, and what's been keeping you stuck. I specialize in prenatal and postpartum mental health, OCD, and the behavioral treatment of chronic pain conditions. I also have a sub-focus on female pelvic pain conditions such as endometriosis, painful sex (sexual health), vulvodynia and vaginismus.
Dr. Stephanie Randazzo
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
As a clinical psychologist who treats chronic pain, anxiety disorders, and OCD, I am dedicated to helping adults navigate the complexities of these conditions. If you’re living with chronic pain, panic attacks, phobias, or persistent anxiety, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Clients often reach out when they are looking for support in changing their actions to move towards their values in life. In our therapy sessions, we’ll focus on understanding your unique experiences and leveraging your strengths to achieve meaningful change.
As a clinical psychologist who treats chronic pain, anxiety disorders, and OCD, I am dedicated to helping adults navigate the complexities of these conditions. If you’re living with chronic pain, panic attacks, phobias, or persistent anxiety, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Clients often reach out when they are looking for support in changing their actions to move towards their values in life. In our therapy sessions, we’ll focus on understanding your unique experiences and leveraging your strengths to achieve meaningful change.
, 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!
I have had extensive experience in: child abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, trauma, divorce, adoption, fertility, chronic illness and pain, depression and anxiety, families with special needs, learning differences, school adjustments, career changes, sexual intimacy.
After over 30 years of clinical practice I realize that getting involved in therapy takes great strength, endurance, and commitment. I am always willing to offer clients a safe environment with my own strength and commitment to do the work that needs to be done. My work with children has helped me work more effectively with adults and my work with adults have helped me work more effectively with the children.Please note that during the virus crisis I am conducting sessions both in person(with some requirements) and on a Hippa approved video therapy network.
I have had extensive experience in: child abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, trauma, divorce, adoption, fertility, chronic illness and pain, depression and anxiety, families with special needs, learning differences, school adjustments, career changes, sexual intimacy.
After over 30 years of clinical practice I realize that getting involved in therapy takes great strength, endurance, and commitment. I am always willing to offer clients a safe environment with my own strength and commitment to do the work that needs to be done. My work with children has helped me work more effectively with adults and my work with adults have helped me work more effectively with the children.Please note that during the virus crisis I am conducting sessions both in person(with some requirements) and on a Hippa approved video therapy network.
I work with adolescents and adults who have identified something in their lives that is causing distress or interfering with their goals. These may be uncomfortable thoughts or feelings, or stressful life circumstances both past or present. Or, they may have a more general discomfort, a sense that something just isn’t “right” and feeling “stuck.” Major life transitions, relationship changes, and illness may be catalysts for psychological distress. Regardless, there is usually a desire to understand themselves better, make meaning of their experiences, and to change grow.
I work with adolescents and adults who have identified something in their lives that is causing distress or interfering with their goals. These may be uncomfortable thoughts or feelings, or stressful life circumstances both past or present. Or, they may have a more general discomfort, a sense that something just isn’t “right” and feeling “stuck.” Major life transitions, relationship changes, and illness may be catalysts for psychological distress. Regardless, there is usually a desire to understand themselves better, make meaning of their experiences, and to change grow.
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Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104 (Online Only)
You've made it this far, yet something is holding you back from the life you want to be living. You have learned a lot about yourself and relationships, and you keep ending up stuck in the same patterns. Past trauma doesn’t have to continue to hurt your present life anymore. You might be someone who always puts others first, and now it's finally time to have a space just for you. Reaching out is a powerful first step to take care of yourself if you are navigating a life with chronic pain, anxiety, or trauma and need the support to get unstuck. I am committed to being beside you with warmth and kindness every step along the way.
You've made it this far, yet something is holding you back from the life you want to be living. You have learned a lot about yourself and relationships, and you keep ending up stuck in the same patterns. Past trauma doesn’t have to continue to hurt your present life anymore. You might be someone who always puts others first, and now it's finally time to have a space just for you. Reaching out is a powerful first step to take care of yourself if you are navigating a life with chronic pain, anxiety, or trauma and need the support to get unstuck. I am committed to being beside you with warmth and kindness every step along the way.
I combine Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), motivational interviewing, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), and Solution-Focused Therapy to target feelings of dread, abandonment, isolation, anxiety, chronic pain, and the many other symptoms that may come up for you on a daily basis.
“Regardless of how long ago something happened, and regardless of how long symptoms have been there, it doesn’t need to be permanent.” - Getting Past Your Past (Shapiro, 2012) Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, interpersonal issues or other daily symptoms that leave you feeling discontent, there is a solution. By utilizing a client-centered approach, I meet you where you are from session-to-session in order to provide an environment focused on comfort, trust, and understanding. I see healing as a sine wave, with ups-and-downs but always on an upward trajectory. Together we will walk through your healing.
I combine Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), motivational interviewing, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), and Solution-Focused Therapy to target feelings of dread, abandonment, isolation, anxiety, chronic pain, and the many other symptoms that may come up for you on a daily basis.
“Regardless of how long ago something happened, and regardless of how long symptoms have been there, it doesn’t need to be permanent.” - Getting Past Your Past (Shapiro, 2012) Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, interpersonal issues or other daily symptoms that leave you feeling discontent, there is a solution. By utilizing a client-centered approach, I meet you where you are from session-to-session in order to provide an environment focused on comfort, trust, and understanding. I see healing as a sine wave, with ups-and-downs but always on an upward trajectory. Together we will walk through your healing.
Real transformation is possible when you have the right tools to mine your inner gems. With my 40 years experience, I give you leading-edge methods to help you deal with various psychological issues. Self-healing tools from Eastern and Western traditions can reduce or eliminate medications and empowers your inner healer to deal with your anxiety, depression, chronic pain, insomnia, trauma,hypertension, etc. Transform your inner critic into a helpful coach :-)
Real transformation is possible when you have the right tools to mine your inner gems. With my 40 years experience, I give you leading-edge methods to help you deal with various psychological issues. Self-healing tools from Eastern and Western traditions can reduce or eliminate medications and empowers your inner healer to deal with your anxiety, depression, chronic pain, insomnia, trauma,hypertension, etc. Transform your inner critic into a helpful coach :-)
I have worked extensively with couples and individuals, helping improve relationships, enhance spiritual practice, find greater joy and success, and improve pain management.
While life does have it's challenges, I am here to remind you that there is a path to a gentler, brighter, more playful future, both with our own selves and with our partners and loved one. Therapy can be a wonderful way to rediscover joy, aliveness and connectedness.
I have worked extensively with couples and individuals, helping improve relationships, enhance spiritual practice, find greater joy and success, and improve pain management.
While life does have it's challenges, I am here to remind you that there is a path to a gentler, brighter, more playful future, both with our own selves and with our partners and loved one. Therapy can be a wonderful way to rediscover joy, aliveness and connectedness.
Bayla Travis, Psy.D. - Pain Management Specialist
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110 (Online Only)
Using interventions like mindfulness, relaxation, behavior modification, thought substitution and education about the science of pain, I can help you decrease your symptoms and better care for yourself when symptoms do arise.
I work with individuals who have achieved success in many areas of their lives, yet struggle with chronic health issues that cause great levels of stress. For over a decade, I have helped people who have health challenges like headaches, back and neck pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease. Often, these uncomfortable physical sensations lead to anxiety. And then the anxiety leads to an increase in physical symptoms. Which then leads to even greater levels of anxiety. I can help you interrupt this cycle, leading to you enjoying increased quality of life both personally and professionally.
Using interventions like mindfulness, relaxation, behavior modification, thought substitution and education about the science of pain, I can help you decrease your symptoms and better care for yourself when symptoms do arise.
I work with individuals who have achieved success in many areas of their lives, yet struggle with chronic health issues that cause great levels of stress. For over a decade, I have helped people who have health challenges like headaches, back and neck pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease. Often, these uncomfortable physical sensations lead to anxiety. And then the anxiety leads to an increase in physical symptoms. Which then leads to even greater levels of anxiety. I can help you interrupt this cycle, leading to you enjoying increased quality of life both personally and professionally.
A passion is the work that I do with chronic pain (TMS) which can help even longtime sufferers reduce/eliminate pain.
Are you and your partner wanting help communicating? Feeling emotionally distant? Are you frustrated by the problems with your relationship? Has there been an affair or addiction? I am a Gottman Level 3 trained couples therapist and I can help! I can offer you some leading-edge tools and resources to kick-start change. If you both want the marriage to be saved, that's exactly what we will work toward. But, if one of you is uncertain if you want to save the marriage we can discuss "Discernment Counseling". You learn what it would take to turn it around before you decide to start couples therapy. Don't postpone getting help!
A passion is the work that I do with chronic pain (TMS) which can help even longtime sufferers reduce/eliminate pain.
Are you and your partner wanting help communicating? Feeling emotionally distant? Are you frustrated by the problems with your relationship? Has there been an affair or addiction? I am a Gottman Level 3 trained couples therapist and I can help! I can offer you some leading-edge tools and resources to kick-start change. If you both want the marriage to be saved, that's exactly what we will work toward. But, if one of you is uncertain if you want to save the marriage we can discuss "Discernment Counseling". You learn what it would take to turn it around before you decide to start couples therapy. Don't postpone getting help!
Lisa A Molbert
Counselor, BA, LAADC, CADC-II, ICADC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123 (Online Only)
I specialize in addiction and chronic pain syndrome.
I treat adolescents and adults where substances have become a solution to underlying problems. You might feel like you have untreated anxiety or depression, or have a history of trauma that has gone untreated, or that you were not ready to deal with yet. I also work with people whose lives are affected by someone with substance issues. I work with people individually, as well as couples. I work with families to provide intervention for someone who needs to go to treatment for addiction or mental health issues. I work with teens and work on emotions and coping skills, as well as thorough assessments to determine treatment needs.
I specialize in addiction and chronic pain syndrome.
I treat adolescents and adults where substances have become a solution to underlying problems. You might feel like you have untreated anxiety or depression, or have a history of trauma that has gone untreated, or that you were not ready to deal with yet. I also work with people whose lives are affected by someone with substance issues. I work with people individually, as well as couples. I work with families to provide intervention for someone who needs to go to treatment for addiction or mental health issues. I work with teens and work on emotions and coping skills, as well as thorough assessments to determine treatment needs.
Are you or a loved one having difficulty coping with chronic illness (cancer, HIV, heart disease, diabetes, COPD, pain or other illness) or managing stress in your life? Health issues can affect every aspect of your life, including relationships, work, finances, mood, and sense of self. I have 2 decades of experience helping individuals, couples and families improve the quality of life and reduce suffering. As a Clinical Health Psychologist, I take an integrative approach to psychotherapy and will work with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Are you or a loved one having difficulty coping with chronic illness (cancer, HIV, heart disease, diabetes, COPD, pain or other illness) or managing stress in your life? Health issues can affect every aspect of your life, including relationships, work, finances, mood, and sense of self. I have 2 decades of experience helping individuals, couples and families improve the quality of life and reduce suffering. As a Clinical Health Psychologist, I take an integrative approach to psychotherapy and will work with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs and goals.
My goal as a therapist is to help every client achieve a more balanced and meaningful life. Whether it's by helping you sleep better, manage your pain more effectively, or facilitate the healing process following a trauma, my aim is to ease suffering and get you back on track to health & resiliency.
My goal as a therapist is to help every client achieve a more balanced and meaningful life. Whether it's by helping you sleep better, manage your pain more effectively, or facilitate the healing process following a trauma, my aim is to ease suffering and get you back on track to health & resiliency.
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Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for San Francisco
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- Daly City
- Emeryville
- Mill Valley
- Oakland
- Piedmont
- San Bruno
- Sausalito
- South San Francisco
- Tiburon
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.