Chronic Pain Therapists in California
Anne-Karin Nelson
Marriage & Family Therapist, PT, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
I am an EMDR Clinician and have worked with clients with, for example, phobias (fear of public speaking), chronic pain, single episodic traumas (motor vehicle accident), traumas from childhood abuse.
Is stress, anxiety, depression, or overwhelm an issue? Sometimes life brings changes that are difficult to cope with; loss of a loved one, loss of health, loss of employment, trauma, divorce. I provide a safe and accepting environment in which we can process these changes together, finding your strengths and empowering you to meet these challenges.
I am an EMDR Clinician and have worked with clients with, for example, phobias (fear of public speaking), chronic pain, single episodic traumas (motor vehicle accident), traumas from childhood abuse.
Is stress, anxiety, depression, or overwhelm an issue? Sometimes life brings changes that are difficult to cope with; loss of a loved one, loss of health, loss of employment, trauma, divorce. I provide a safe and accepting environment in which we can process these changes together, finding your strengths and empowering you to meet these challenges.
I also help my clients cope with the profound psychic pain and sorrow associated with traumatic loss; perhaps a loved one, a friend, or even a deeply held belief.
In my practice, I use clinical hypnotherapy to help clients resolve issues of emotional trauma, overcome bad habits and self-defeating behaviors, and deal with any other issues interfering with their lives, work, or relationships. Hypnotherapy is invaluable for weight loss, smoking cessation, chronic pain management, drug dependency, and self-esteem issues, including non-medical impotence and low libido. Because clinical hypnosis accesses the subconscious directly, it is extremely effective in the treatment of psychosomatic issues and fears. For example, I also work with dentists' patients who have severe phobic issues with dentistry or who are unable to tolerate anesthesia.
I also help my clients cope with the profound psychic pain and sorrow associated with traumatic loss; perhaps a loved one, a friend, or even a deeply held belief.
In my practice, I use clinical hypnotherapy to help clients resolve issues of emotional trauma, overcome bad habits and self-defeating behaviors, and deal with any other issues interfering with their lives, work, or relationships. Hypnotherapy is invaluable for weight loss, smoking cessation, chronic pain management, drug dependency, and self-esteem issues, including non-medical impotence and low libido. Because clinical hypnosis accesses the subconscious directly, it is extremely effective in the treatment of psychosomatic issues and fears. For example, I also work with dentists' patients who have severe phobic issues with dentistry or who are unable to tolerate anesthesia.
I also have special expertise helping families affected by medical illnesses, such as cancer, MS, diabetes, RA, colitis, Crohn's, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and neurological diseases.
With twenty-five years of experience and outstanding credentials, I have two goals for my clients: Solve the immediate problem that brings you to therapy, and promote lasting change. My arenas of work include depression, anxiety, stress, and relationship difficulties. I have extensive training in couples therapy and am an AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist. I deal with all manner of sexual issues, including desire problems, addiction, affairs, and the "sexless marriage." I welcome clients from varied backgrounds and communities.
I also have special expertise helping families affected by medical illnesses, such as cancer, MS, diabetes, RA, colitis, Crohn's, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and neurological diseases.
With twenty-five years of experience and outstanding credentials, I have two goals for my clients: Solve the immediate problem that brings you to therapy, and promote lasting change. My arenas of work include depression, anxiety, stress, and relationship difficulties. I have extensive training in couples therapy and am an AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist. I deal with all manner of sexual issues, including desire problems, addiction, affairs, and the "sexless marriage." I welcome clients from varied backgrounds and communities.
Do you like working with me? Research shows that successful therapy depends on a positive relationship between therapist and client. I structure our work together so you will know within a few sessions if we are a good fit. My goal is to help individual adults, teenagers, and parents of teenagers understand enough about themselves so they can make healthy and sustained changes. I have helped clients save their own lives, manage anger, quit drugs and alcohol, improve self-esteem, build and/or rebuild relationships, improve work/academics, reduce anxiety/depression, and manage chronic illness.
Do you like working with me? Research shows that successful therapy depends on a positive relationship between therapist and client. I structure our work together so you will know within a few sessions if we are a good fit. My goal is to help individual adults, teenagers, and parents of teenagers understand enough about themselves so they can make healthy and sustained changes. I have helped clients save their own lives, manage anger, quit drugs and alcohol, improve self-esteem, build and/or rebuild relationships, improve work/academics, reduce anxiety/depression, and manage chronic illness.
Colleen Perry, M.F.T., is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California (MFC38937).Most people come to see a therapist because they are in emotional pain, physical pain, or both, as one often creates the other. I understand how vulnerable this can make you feel, so I am committed to giving my full attention and respect to the unique experience of each client. It is for this reason that I maintain a small “boutique” practice, where I listen to what you want for your life and together we create a course of treatment that meets your goals and needs.
Colleen Perry, M.F.T., is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California (MFC38937).Most people come to see a therapist because they are in emotional pain, physical pain, or both, as one often creates the other. I understand how vulnerable this can make you feel, so I am committed to giving my full attention and respect to the unique experience of each client. It is for this reason that I maintain a small “boutique” practice, where I listen to what you want for your life and together we create a course of treatment that meets your goals and needs.
It's never too late to start having a better life. My goal is to give you all the tools you need to overcome anxiety, depression and fear and to maintain your psychological balance mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. You will go home with personalized audio programs and homework assignments tailored to solving your specific problems.
I use cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, and creative problem solving to deal with anxiety disorders and depression. I also help people with difficult life transitions including divorce, job loss, career change or illness, including chronic pain, cancer and irritable bowel disease.
It's never too late to start having a better life. My goal is to give you all the tools you need to overcome anxiety, depression and fear and to maintain your psychological balance mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. You will go home with personalized audio programs and homework assignments tailored to solving your specific problems.
I use cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, and creative problem solving to deal with anxiety disorders and depression. I also help people with difficult life transitions including divorce, job loss, career change or illness, including chronic pain, cancer and irritable bowel disease.
Jessica Dawn Russell
CHT, CCht, NBC-HWC, BA psy, Coach, Health, CBIT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Living and watching emotional pain turn to mental or physical change is also scary.
I am the founder of both The Hypnotherapy Centers and The HTC Therapy Group. My clients are primarily adults and seniors, yet I work with teens. I have very comfortable and safe offices in Encino, Beverly Hills, & West Los Angeles. I also work remote. I have strong experience working with anxiety, depression, complex circumstances &mental health disorders, including medical, pain and health issues involving nervous, autoimmune, and specific uncommon illness management, addiction, &smoking. I offer strong interactive rapport. My client base involves professionals, entertainment & sports as well as clients in need of creative hours.
Living and watching emotional pain turn to mental or physical change is also scary.
I am the founder of both The Hypnotherapy Centers and The HTC Therapy Group. My clients are primarily adults and seniors, yet I work with teens. I have very comfortable and safe offices in Encino, Beverly Hills, & West Los Angeles. I also work remote. I have strong experience working with anxiety, depression, complex circumstances &mental health disorders, including medical, pain and health issues involving nervous, autoimmune, and specific uncommon illness management, addiction, &smoking. I offer strong interactive rapport. My client base involves professionals, entertainment & sports as well as clients in need of creative hours.
Our Mission at Reset Ketamine is to provide you an innovative and rapid treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, & chronic pain so you can go back to living a whole, healthy life.
Patient Reviews "I have struggled with anxiety and depression my whole life. I read about ketamine treatment for anxiety and depression. During my ketamine infusion I experienced an altered state. This altered state provided new insights, unblocked my anxiety, and helped connect me to me and the world around me. Dr. Ko’s approach and support helped make the ketamine experience more meaningful." "Dr. Ko has a stellar staff, and I'm so very grateful for their attentiveness for me to have the most positive, safe, and comfortable healing experience that has contributed the most to me feeling more peaceful and relaxed."
Our Mission at Reset Ketamine is to provide you an innovative and rapid treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, & chronic pain so you can go back to living a whole, healthy life.
Patient Reviews "I have struggled with anxiety and depression my whole life. I read about ketamine treatment for anxiety and depression. During my ketamine infusion I experienced an altered state. This altered state provided new insights, unblocked my anxiety, and helped connect me to me and the world around me. Dr. Ko’s approach and support helped make the ketamine experience more meaningful." "Dr. Ko has a stellar staff, and I'm so very grateful for their attentiveness for me to have the most positive, safe, and comfortable healing experience that has contributed the most to me feeling more peaceful and relaxed."
Vanessa Sedano
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90807
I work with a wide range of communities and take an individualized approach to care. Young adults on a quest for clarity amidst life's uncertainties. Individuals gracefully bridging the gap between two cultures and embracing their diverse identities. Couples desiring to dismantle destructive patterns, foster healthy communication, and nurture a profound and lasting bond. Individuals courageously confronting chronic pain and illness, seeking solace and healing. Caregivers wanting to unlearn harmful parenting styles and step away from dynamics that don’t serve them.
I work with a wide range of communities and take an individualized approach to care. Young adults on a quest for clarity amidst life's uncertainties. Individuals gracefully bridging the gap between two cultures and embracing their diverse identities. Couples desiring to dismantle destructive patterns, foster healthy communication, and nurture a profound and lasting bond. Individuals courageously confronting chronic pain and illness, seeking solace and healing. Caregivers wanting to unlearn harmful parenting styles and step away from dynamics that don’t serve them.
Christine Archer | Pain Reprocessing Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LPCC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025 (Online Only)
I help high-achieving, do-it-all women overcome chronic pain, anxiety and burnout to live a more joyful and restful life. Often, our bodies give us cues that it’s time to slow down while our minds push us to keep going. We have learned that expectations, responsibilities and productivity take priority over our own care and needs. Maybe you have tried to power through your body’s cues over and over again only to feel stuck, exhausted, and unsure of how to find relief. Our work together will empower you to come back to yourself, to tend to your body and nervous system and to feel more present, connected and at ease.
I help high-achieving, do-it-all women overcome chronic pain, anxiety and burnout to live a more joyful and restful life. Often, our bodies give us cues that it’s time to slow down while our minds push us to keep going. We have learned that expectations, responsibilities and productivity take priority over our own care and needs. Maybe you have tried to power through your body’s cues over and over again only to feel stuck, exhausted, and unsure of how to find relief. Our work together will empower you to come back to yourself, to tend to your body and nervous system and to feel more present, connected and at ease.
Ann Steiner
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have been a pioneer in leading and teaching about group therapy for the medically ill, run 2 groups, specialize in helping individuals derailed by isolation or chronic physical illness, am a noted national and international speaker.
It has been my good fortune to work with adult clients who want to make changes in how they view themselves, and deepen their relationships with others. I love leading therapy groups, the ideal antidote for isolation. I am only accepting new potential group members.
I have been a pioneer in leading and teaching about group therapy for the medically ill, run 2 groups, specialize in helping individuals derailed by isolation or chronic physical illness, am a noted national and international speaker.
It has been my good fortune to work with adult clients who want to make changes in how they view themselves, and deepen their relationships with others. I love leading therapy groups, the ideal antidote for isolation. I am only accepting new potential group members.
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David E Bresler
Psychologist, PhD, LAC, DiplAc, NCCAOM, AAPM
Verified Verified
Malibu, CA 90265 (Online Only)
My practice focuses on helping individuals, couples, and families who are suffering from emotional or physical pain or the aftereffects of trauma. We help them resolve the traumatic experience, as well as its consequences (e.g. physical pain, stress, disability, depression, anxiety, insomnia, medication dependence, isolation, etc.) Although many of our patients have not responded well to prior therapies, we've had outstanding success in helping them move from feeling a severe loss to finding a new and positive beginning. We love to work with people who are ready to change and eager to learn how to do it.
My practice focuses on helping individuals, couples, and families who are suffering from emotional or physical pain or the aftereffects of trauma. We help them resolve the traumatic experience, as well as its consequences (e.g. physical pain, stress, disability, depression, anxiety, insomnia, medication dependence, isolation, etc.) Although many of our patients have not responded well to prior therapies, we've had outstanding success in helping them move from feeling a severe loss to finding a new and positive beginning. We love to work with people who are ready to change and eager to learn how to do it.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and work with individuals, families, couples and children. I particularly enjoy working with people who are navigating difficult interpersonal relationships (with family members, partners, spouses, etc.) or are in the midst of healing from heartbreak, grief or loss. I also have extensive personal and professional experience with chronic pain/illness and have deep regard for the experiencers and caregivers dealing with the challenges that accompany. I also love working with clients who are looking to decrease symptoms of anxiety or panic that are interfering with their quality of life.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and work with individuals, families, couples and children. I particularly enjoy working with people who are navigating difficult interpersonal relationships (with family members, partners, spouses, etc.) or are in the midst of healing from heartbreak, grief or loss. I also have extensive personal and professional experience with chronic pain/illness and have deep regard for the experiencers and caregivers dealing with the challenges that accompany. I also love working with clients who are looking to decrease symptoms of anxiety or panic that are interfering with their quality of life.
Julie Markowitz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025 (Online Only)
I believe in all people’s innate capacity to heal. To me, all symptoms that we experience whether it be chronic pain, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, etc can be explained by trauma. Trauma does not have to be big events. Trauma can be if we are not attuned to emotionally as children or if our parents have their own unprocessed trauma—this sort of trauma often leads to deep seeded beliefs that we are unloveable and bad. Our healing comes from teaching our parts that we are loveable and accepted just as we are.
I believe in all people’s innate capacity to heal. To me, all symptoms that we experience whether it be chronic pain, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, etc can be explained by trauma. Trauma does not have to be big events. Trauma can be if we are not attuned to emotionally as children or if our parents have their own unprocessed trauma—this sort of trauma often leads to deep seeded beliefs that we are unloveable and bad. Our healing comes from teaching our parts that we are loveable and accepted just as we are.
Betsy Gaines (Pain Psychologist)
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Placentia, CA 92870
Is your first waking thought one of tracking chronic pain in your body to see “how bad it is going to be today?” Do you immediately tense up thinking of how much pain you are in? Do you search for something to distract and numb? Have you been diagnosed with migraine, chronic back pain, IBS, fibromyalgia, or maybe more than one of these? Most of my clients have been in chronic pain for years and have visited doctor after doctor in search of solutions.
Is your first waking thought one of tracking chronic pain in your body to see “how bad it is going to be today?” Do you immediately tense up thinking of how much pain you are in? Do you search for something to distract and numb? Have you been diagnosed with migraine, chronic back pain, IBS, fibromyalgia, or maybe more than one of these? Most of my clients have been in chronic pain for years and have visited doctor after doctor in search of solutions.
My goal in therapy is to assist you in cultivating balance in your internal and external worlds. Whether that is through focusing on emotion or thought, rebalancing your relationships, finding stability in managing the psychological symptoms of chronic pain or cultivating internal safety and calm to combat memories of pain and trauma.
My goal in therapy is to assist you in cultivating balance in your internal and external worlds. Whether that is through focusing on emotion or thought, rebalancing your relationships, finding stability in managing the psychological symptoms of chronic pain or cultivating internal safety and calm to combat memories of pain and trauma.
My expertise in Integrative Medicine recognizes the connection between physical symptoms and past trauma, adverse life events, and emotional distress. Chronic stress, worry, pain, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, and confusion about your life are challenges we can address. My specialization includes Chronic Pain, Somatic Symptom Disorders, autoimmune conditions, and adverse childhood events
My expertise in Integrative Medicine recognizes the connection between physical symptoms and past trauma, adverse life events, and emotional distress. Chronic stress, worry, pain, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, and confusion about your life are challenges we can address. My specialization includes Chronic Pain, Somatic Symptom Disorders, autoimmune conditions, and adverse childhood events
I specialize in treating depression and anxiety disorders, trauma, chronic pain management, impostor syndrome, life transitions, life and career coaching, and relationship issues.
I am a bilingual, Spanish-speaking, clinical psychologist. My clinical work has focused on providing holistic mental health care, taking into account cultural, family dynamics, spiritual, social-economic, and medical factors that contribute to mental health conditions. Life's journey was never meant to be traveled alone. Our experiences, life's highs and lows, are best lived in communion with others.
I specialize in treating depression and anxiety disorders, trauma, chronic pain management, impostor syndrome, life transitions, life and career coaching, and relationship issues.
I am a bilingual, Spanish-speaking, clinical psychologist. My clinical work has focused on providing holistic mental health care, taking into account cultural, family dynamics, spiritual, social-economic, and medical factors that contribute to mental health conditions. Life's journey was never meant to be traveled alone. Our experiences, life's highs and lows, are best lived in communion with others.
I specialize in the treatment of insomnia, coping with illness, and stress/anxiety.
Are you suffering from sleepless nights and unable to shut off your mind from stress and negative thoughts? Has stress been affecting your health and well-being? Have you felt stuck in terms of your ability to move toward your goals or have the life or career that you want? No matter what challenges you are facing, such as stress, illness, trauma, life transition, relationship issues, or loss, I can help you make the necessary changes to move toward what is most important to you in your life.
I specialize in the treatment of insomnia, coping with illness, and stress/anxiety.
Are you suffering from sleepless nights and unable to shut off your mind from stress and negative thoughts? Has stress been affecting your health and well-being? Have you felt stuck in terms of your ability to move toward your goals or have the life or career that you want? No matter what challenges you are facing, such as stress, illness, trauma, life transition, relationship issues, or loss, I can help you make the necessary changes to move toward what is most important to you in your life.
Magena Ammen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Azusa, CA 91702 (Online Only)
Relief from pain is possible.
You are so done with having to drag yourself out of bed, drinking 10 cups of coffee just to feel something, and giving self-inflicted pep talks that don't friggin' work! Maybe your friends or family don't even notice and they think you're doing GREAT! In reality it’s a struggle keeping it together. You’re white knuckling it and somehow managing to save face. If you’ve made it here, you’re ready to work through what’s bothering you so that life can feel less painful. Whether you’re going through trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, or relationship issues you’re in the right place.
Relief from pain is possible.
You are so done with having to drag yourself out of bed, drinking 10 cups of coffee just to feel something, and giving self-inflicted pep talks that don't friggin' work! Maybe your friends or family don't even notice and they think you're doing GREAT! In reality it’s a struggle keeping it together. You’re white knuckling it and somehow managing to save face. If you’ve made it here, you’re ready to work through what’s bothering you so that life can feel less painful. Whether you’re going through trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, or relationship issues you’re in the right place.
See more therapy options for California
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.