Photo of Rebecca Heins, PsyD , Psychologist
Rebecca Heins
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Studio City, CA 91602  (Online Only)
I treat individuals and couples, and specialize in trauma, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, addiction, and relationship difficulties.
Welcome to my practice! As a licensed clinical psychologist, I am committed to providing a safe and interactive space for you to heal from emotional pain. Seeking help takes courage, and I am privileged to begin this process of self-discovery with you.
I treat individuals and couples, and specialize in trauma, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, addiction, and relationship difficulties.
Welcome to my practice! As a licensed clinical psychologist, I am committed to providing a safe and interactive space for you to heal from emotional pain. Seeking help takes courage, and I am privileged to begin this process of self-discovery with you.
(310) 896-5178 View (310) 896-5178
Photo of Kate Truitt, PhD, MBA, MA, Psychologist
Kate Truitt
Psychologist, PhD, MBA, MA
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
We specialize in PTSD, Developmental Trauma/C-PTSD, OCD, Panic, Phobias, Depression, Addiction, Medical Trauma, Chronic Pain & Illness, and more.
Hello and welcome to the next evolution of psychotherapy. The future of health and wellness is in your hands. At Dr. Kate Truitt & Associates our goal to walk with you through healing the darker and more painful moments of life while building long-term and sustainable change. We focus on healing the past, creating the present, and building the future. Through incorporating brain science and body-based healing modalities, we focus on whole person healing and we don't stop there. It is our goal to help you design and create your most fulfilled life through providing services for full mind and body healing.
We specialize in PTSD, Developmental Trauma/C-PTSD, OCD, Panic, Phobias, Depression, Addiction, Medical Trauma, Chronic Pain & Illness, and more.
Hello and welcome to the next evolution of psychotherapy. The future of health and wellness is in your hands. At Dr. Kate Truitt & Associates our goal to walk with you through healing the darker and more painful moments of life while building long-term and sustainable change. We focus on healing the past, creating the present, and building the future. Through incorporating brain science and body-based healing modalities, we focus on whole person healing and we don't stop there. It is our goal to help you design and create your most fulfilled life through providing services for full mind and body healing.
(323) 629-4353 View (323) 629-4353
Photo of Stephanie Mason, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Stephanie Mason
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90805  (Online Only)
I also hold an array of clinical expertise in dealing with chronic pain, depression, anxiety, stress management, LGBTQIA+ issues, low self-esteem, relationship issues, and much more.
New beginnings can often be disguised as painful endings. I work closely with those who have been through tragic events, suffered childhood abuse, those who have been victimized by others, as well as those who might feel like they have nowhere left to turn. My goal is to help you find your inner strength, and to courageously be free to display it and be proud. I am empathetic to my client’s needs, ambitious to provide support, and offer a nonjudgmental space for you to share and truly be heard.
I also hold an array of clinical expertise in dealing with chronic pain, depression, anxiety, stress management, LGBTQIA+ issues, low self-esteem, relationship issues, and much more.
New beginnings can often be disguised as painful endings. I work closely with those who have been through tragic events, suffered childhood abuse, those who have been victimized by others, as well as those who might feel like they have nowhere left to turn. My goal is to help you find your inner strength, and to courageously be free to display it and be proud. I am empathetic to my client’s needs, ambitious to provide support, and offer a nonjudgmental space for you to share and truly be heard.
(626) 247-3135 View (626) 247-3135
Photo of Rebecca Stein - Rebecca Stein Mind Body Therapy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rebecca Stein Mind Body Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94702
Expert on PAIN, burnout, ADHD, relationships.
Do you consistently experience BURNOUT and/or chronic PAIN? Do you feel like there is a constant pressure to do things and “do them right?” Do you struggle to FOCUS and wonder if you have ADHD? I provide thorough diagnostic evaluations, executive function coaching, and customized individual and COUPLES therapy. You will learn coping strategies, reconnect in AWE with yourself, your relationships, and life. I have had the privilege of helping clients at UCLA Medicine, The Pain Psychology Center, and Edward Hallowell ADHD Center. Certified ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), IFS, ISTDP, CBT, DBT
Expert on PAIN, burnout, ADHD, relationships.
Do you consistently experience BURNOUT and/or chronic PAIN? Do you feel like there is a constant pressure to do things and “do them right?” Do you struggle to FOCUS and wonder if you have ADHD? I provide thorough diagnostic evaluations, executive function coaching, and customized individual and COUPLES therapy. You will learn coping strategies, reconnect in AWE with yourself, your relationships, and life. I have had the privilege of helping clients at UCLA Medicine, The Pain Psychology Center, and Edward Hallowell ADHD Center. Certified ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), IFS, ISTDP, CBT, DBT
(470) 450-3277 View (470) 450-3277
Photo of Autumn Phillips, PsyD, MA, Psychologist
Autumn Phillips
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
As Founder and Clinical Director of Phillips Medstone, we are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain or psychological distress such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and more. We have excellent providers who specialize in quality care using empirically validated treatment plans. Treatment options may include CBT, DBT, Biofeedback, EMDR and trauma focused care. We look forward to helping you establish care with a therapist who is 'the best fit for your needs.' Languages include English, Spanish and Italian.
As Founder and Clinical Director of Phillips Medstone, we are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain or psychological distress such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and more. We have excellent providers who specialize in quality care using empirically validated treatment plans. Treatment options may include CBT, DBT, Biofeedback, EMDR and trauma focused care. We look forward to helping you establish care with a therapist who is 'the best fit for your needs.' Languages include English, Spanish and Italian.
(619) 332-2429 View (619) 332-2429
Photo of Jodie M. NewDelman, PsyD, Psychologist
Jodie M. NewDelman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94903
Who you are is MUCH more than struggle and pain.
Dr. NewDelman's practice, Essensuate Psychology Group, APC includes solution-focused psychotherapists. Each provider brings their own sensibility but all engage clients who are ready to face the burden 'stuckness,' deepen their awareness, transform their mindset, and change their lives. The practice is dedicated to integrated care and each client's unique context. We offer a safe, confidential, and trusted alliance where our clients can process painful personal issues, difficult experiences, challenging memories, and persistent conflict. We also explore our clients' innate resources and wisdom to provoke meaningful shifts
Who you are is MUCH more than struggle and pain.
Dr. NewDelman's practice, Essensuate Psychology Group, APC includes solution-focused psychotherapists. Each provider brings their own sensibility but all engage clients who are ready to face the burden 'stuckness,' deepen their awareness, transform their mindset, and change their lives. The practice is dedicated to integrated care and each client's unique context. We offer a safe, confidential, and trusted alliance where our clients can process painful personal issues, difficult experiences, challenging memories, and persistent conflict. We also explore our clients' innate resources and wisdom to provoke meaningful shifts
(628) 209-6714 View (628) 209-6714
Photo of Mariclare Dasigenis, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mariclare Dasigenis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91102
as well as other modalities to treat neural circuit pain and its causes.
As your therapist, I am committed to offering a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental partnership where we can join to understand what is causing your current suffering. If you are looking for a safe and collaborative space to achieve your goals and move forward, I can help. I specialize in the treatment of chronic pain and anxiety in adults and young adults. I am a licensed psychotherapist in California, Nevada, and Arizona. I also offer coaching services nationally and internationally.
as well as other modalities to treat neural circuit pain and its causes.
As your therapist, I am committed to offering a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental partnership where we can join to understand what is causing your current suffering. If you are looking for a safe and collaborative space to achieve your goals and move forward, I can help. I specialize in the treatment of chronic pain and anxiety in adults and young adults. I am a licensed psychotherapist in California, Nevada, and Arizona. I also offer coaching services nationally and internationally.
(626) 624-4961 View (626) 624-4961
Photo of Ann Steiner, Marriage & Family Therapist
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.
(925) 231-9087 View (925) 231-9087
Photo of Sandi Rene Gundersen, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sandi Rene Gundersen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Vallejo, CA 94590
I have experienced a lot of pain myself so I know what it feels like to feel depressed, anxious, and wondering if life will ever change.
Are you looking for fulfillment? Want to end your pain? Are you sick and tired and feeling sick and tired? I am here to help. I have been providing psychotherapy since 2004. I have helped individuals, couples, and families feel restored, empowered, and able to make positive changes that last. When I offer help and guidance I like to quote the Bible in this metaphor of bringing beauty from ashes.
I have experienced a lot of pain myself so I know what it feels like to feel depressed, anxious, and wondering if life will ever change.
Are you looking for fulfillment? Want to end your pain? Are you sick and tired and feeling sick and tired? I am here to help. I have been providing psychotherapy since 2004. I have helped individuals, couples, and families feel restored, empowered, and able to make positive changes that last. When I offer help and guidance I like to quote the Bible in this metaphor of bringing beauty from ashes.
(707) 562-0496 View (707) 562-0496
Photo of Lucia C Cargill, PhD, MSN, MA, PHN, FNP-C
Lucia C Cargill
PhD, MSN, MA, PHN, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Sebastopol, CA 95473
l am a cross-cultural specialist with a PhD in Medical Anthropology & a Family Nurse Practitioner with 15 years in psychiatric, pain & primary care practice.
Greetings! Welcome to our multidisciplinary, holistic, integrative mental health coaching practice. We are open to new ideas from Integrative/Functional Medicine, supportive care for your psychiatric needs, drug free care, and nutritional support. We believe whole body health is the best way to good brain health. Good brain health impacts mental health. We invite you to a different approach to brain health and mental health through coaching and support for referrals to the best functional medicine providers sourcing balance, resolution of inflammation & for all your whole body-mind-spirit healing. We invite you to join us for care.
l am a cross-cultural specialist with a PhD in Medical Anthropology & a Family Nurse Practitioner with 15 years in psychiatric, pain & primary care practice.
Greetings! Welcome to our multidisciplinary, holistic, integrative mental health coaching practice. We are open to new ideas from Integrative/Functional Medicine, supportive care for your psychiatric needs, drug free care, and nutritional support. We believe whole body health is the best way to good brain health. Good brain health impacts mental health. We invite you to a different approach to brain health and mental health through coaching and support for referrals to the best functional medicine providers sourcing balance, resolution of inflammation & for all your whole body-mind-spirit healing. We invite you to join us for care.
View
Photo of Kristin Manuel, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kristin Manuel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Elk Grove, CA 95624
Waitlist for new clients
I am formally trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
I specialize in working with adults who are suffering from depression, anxiety, mood issues, chronic pain, chronic illness, and/or trauma. Maybe you were newly diagnosed or currently living with chronic pain or chronic illness, such as an autoimmune disorder. I offer a safe place to address healing from psychological stress that has manifested into physical and emotional symptoms. My style is warm, non-judgmental, and direct.
I am formally trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
I specialize in working with adults who are suffering from depression, anxiety, mood issues, chronic pain, chronic illness, and/or trauma. Maybe you were newly diagnosed or currently living with chronic pain or chronic illness, such as an autoimmune disorder. I offer a safe place to address healing from psychological stress that has manifested into physical and emotional symptoms. My style is warm, non-judgmental, and direct.
(916) 237-9385 View (916) 237-9385
Photo of Lisa Waldman - Lisa Waldman, LCSW, MPH, LCSW, MPH, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lisa Waldman, LCSW, MPH
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
My approach is to help you identify your strengths, target your goals, support you in overcoming blocks so that you can change on the deepest level and experience relief from physical and emotional pain.
Seeking help is a sign of self-awareness & readiness for change. Perhaps you're feeling out control with emotional pain, behavior, or relationships. You may be dealing with chronic health issues involving physical pain & psychological symptoms. As a therapist, health educator, pain specialist for 30 + yrs, I offer compassion & collaboration to help you overcome unhealthy patterns, depression, anxiety, somatic ( pain) symptoms, poor self-image, or grief in a safe and nonjudgmental space. Together we will explore the root causes of symptoms, help you identify counterproductive patterns and develop healthy new healthy coping strategies.
My approach is to help you identify your strengths, target your goals, support you in overcoming blocks so that you can change on the deepest level and experience relief from physical and emotional pain.
Seeking help is a sign of self-awareness & readiness for change. Perhaps you're feeling out control with emotional pain, behavior, or relationships. You may be dealing with chronic health issues involving physical pain & psychological symptoms. As a therapist, health educator, pain specialist for 30 + yrs, I offer compassion & collaboration to help you overcome unhealthy patterns, depression, anxiety, somatic ( pain) symptoms, poor self-image, or grief in a safe and nonjudgmental space. Together we will explore the root causes of symptoms, help you identify counterproductive patterns and develop healthy new healthy coping strategies.
(424) 888-7826 View (424) 888-7826
Photo of Steven C Seither, CHT
Steven C Seither
CHT
Verified Verified
Placerville, CA 95667
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.
(916) 710-8543 View (916) 710-8543
Photo of Susannah Ruth Feder, PsyD, Psychologist
Susannah Ruth Feder
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
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.
(925) 448-9343 View (925) 448-9343
Photo of Carrie L Forrest, PhD, QME, Psychologist
Carrie L Forrest
Psychologist, PhD, QME
Verified Verified
Monterey, CA 93940
I utilize my training and experience in Psychotherapy, Medical Hypnosis and Biofeedback to help you accomplish your desired goals. From my extensive background I utilize what will work best for you as an individual. A result of our work together is for you to become congruent within all aspects of your life; your actions, thoughts and feelings, while living to the fullest each and every day. I will help you overcome obstacles and develop healthy coping skills. I specialize in recovery from traumas (PTSD), grief and loss, integrating and assimilating chronic pain, addictive behaviors and other conditions.
I utilize my training and experience in Psychotherapy, Medical Hypnosis and Biofeedback to help you accomplish your desired goals. From my extensive background I utilize what will work best for you as an individual. A result of our work together is for you to become congruent within all aspects of your life; your actions, thoughts and feelings, while living to the fullest each and every day. I will help you overcome obstacles and develop healthy coping skills. I specialize in recovery from traumas (PTSD), grief and loss, integrating and assimilating chronic pain, addictive behaviors and other conditions.
(831) 337-4414 View (831) 337-4414
Photo of Jane Parrott, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jane Parrott
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90032
I work with major life transitions, new endeavors, creativity, spirituality, codependency/ people pleasing, relationships, depression, trauma, PTSD, chronic illness/ pain/ disability, grief, gender & sexuality exploration, emotional/behavioral patterns, and fear of death.
Welcome. You have started an important search. Finding the right therapist isn’t always easy, and I encourage you to listen to what feels right for you. My work starts with you and what you are looking to address. We will explore the contributing factors to what you want to work on and develop a deeper understanding of your psychological reality. First and foremost, I offer a safe and non-judgmental container for exploration. Nothing is too small or big for this work. My goal is to help you gain insights into your relational and habitual patterns in service of having more agency in your life and being able to feel free to be you.
I work with major life transitions, new endeavors, creativity, spirituality, codependency/ people pleasing, relationships, depression, trauma, PTSD, chronic illness/ pain/ disability, grief, gender & sexuality exploration, emotional/behavioral patterns, and fear of death.
Welcome. You have started an important search. Finding the right therapist isn’t always easy, and I encourage you to listen to what feels right for you. My work starts with you and what you are looking to address. We will explore the contributing factors to what you want to work on and develop a deeper understanding of your psychological reality. First and foremost, I offer a safe and non-judgmental container for exploration. Nothing is too small or big for this work. My goal is to help you gain insights into your relational and habitual patterns in service of having more agency in your life and being able to feel free to be you.
(323) 591-2943 View (323) 591-2943
Photo of Debra Miller, PsyD, Psychologist
Debra Miller
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Nevada City, CA 95959
I offer in person and tele therapy. My goal is to provide a safe and caring environment. I enjoy working with a wide variety of people. I specialize in those who are struggling with depression, anxiety, chronic pain, addiction, trauma and PTSD. I work with clients who are dealing with opioid and/or benzodiazepine abuse/dependency. My style is a common sense, straight forward approach. I believe that the connection between the therapist and client is the most important piece in the therapeutic process.
I offer in person and tele therapy. My goal is to provide a safe and caring environment. I enjoy working with a wide variety of people. I specialize in those who are struggling with depression, anxiety, chronic pain, addiction, trauma and PTSD. I work with clients who are dealing with opioid and/or benzodiazepine abuse/dependency. My style is a common sense, straight forward approach. I believe that the connection between the therapist and client is the most important piece in the therapeutic process.
(530) 475-6710 View (530) 475-6710
Photo of Colleen Perry, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Colleen Perry
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404
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.
(424) 286-9203 View (424) 286-9203
Photo of Jessica Dawn Russell, CHT, CCht, NBC-HWC, BA psy, Coach, Health, CBIT
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.
(424) 364-2061 View (424) 364-2061
Photo of Natasha Smolkin, PsyD, Psychologist
Natasha Smolkin
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Smolkin received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology (Wright Institute); pre-doctoral internship with the Integrated Health Psychology Training Program (West County Health Center); post-doctoral fellowship at San Francisco Kaiser’s Chronic Pain Management Department, utilizing biofeedback for stress management & subsequent pain interventions.
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.
Smolkin received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology (Wright Institute); pre-doctoral internship with the Integrated Health Psychology Training Program (West County Health Center); post-doctoral fellowship at San Francisco Kaiser’s Chronic Pain Management Department, utilizing biofeedback for stress management & subsequent pain interventions.
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.
(415) 480-5482 x1050 View (415) 480-5482 x1050
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.