Chronic Pain Therapists in Oakland, CA
People come to therapy with unique needs, concerns, and life circumstances. Through the process of self-inquiry, I help clients gain insight and develop effective coping skills to move through a challenge with greater ease and understanding. My therapeutic style is warm, compassionate and curious about one's experience. I use an attachment based, person-centered approach that offers individuals and couples clarity around repetitive patterns that cause pain, conflict, and limit growth.
People come to therapy with unique needs, concerns, and life circumstances. Through the process of self-inquiry, I help clients gain insight and develop effective coping skills to move through a challenge with greater ease and understanding. My therapeutic style is warm, compassionate and curious about one's experience. I use an attachment based, person-centered approach that offers individuals and couples clarity around repetitive patterns that cause pain, conflict, and limit growth.
The impact of chronic pain often goes far beyond the body, and may leave you feeling depressed, anxious, angry, and isolated. As a pain psychologist, I can help you build effective coping tools to take back control over your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and physical symptoms so that you can live a meaningful life that is not defined by your pain. I emphasize a collaborative, solution-focused approach to therapy, and will work with you to create a treatment plan that takes into account the unique biological, psychological, and social factors that make you who you are.
The impact of chronic pain often goes far beyond the body, and may leave you feeling depressed, anxious, angry, and isolated. As a pain psychologist, I can help you build effective coping tools to take back control over your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and physical symptoms so that you can live a meaningful life that is not defined by your pain. I emphasize a collaborative, solution-focused approach to therapy, and will work with you to create a treatment plan that takes into account the unique biological, psychological, and social factors that make you who you are.
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.
My services are built on years of compassionate & successful treatment outcomes: decreased passive and invasive modalities to treat injury/ illness; recovered partnerships; reconciliation of loss, limitation, and trauma; greater flexibility and freedom; decreased internal "sibling rivalry"; & greater enjoyment of what you already have and who you already are.
Without meaning and the chance to therapeutically practice new insights and behaviors, we may suffer unnecessarily during times of high stress, trauma, or in daily life. Feelings may become an overwhelming flood of dread, sorrow or numbness; thinking becomes confused, panicky, and self-critical; joy, spontaneity and self-trust may feel lost. Together we can make good use of your strengths, symptoms and external challenges. Through exploring and deepening our understanding and trust in your own inner world, dignity and liveliness may be restored even under the most challenging or enduring of circumstances, illnesses or problems.
My services are built on years of compassionate & successful treatment outcomes: decreased passive and invasive modalities to treat injury/ illness; recovered partnerships; reconciliation of loss, limitation, and trauma; greater flexibility and freedom; decreased internal "sibling rivalry"; & greater enjoyment of what you already have and who you already are.
Without meaning and the chance to therapeutically practice new insights and behaviors, we may suffer unnecessarily during times of high stress, trauma, or in daily life. Feelings may become an overwhelming flood of dread, sorrow or numbness; thinking becomes confused, panicky, and self-critical; joy, spontaneity and self-trust may feel lost. Together we can make good use of your strengths, symptoms and external challenges. Through exploring and deepening our understanding and trust in your own inner world, dignity and liveliness may be restored even under the most challenging or enduring of circumstances, illnesses or problems.
Bayla Travis, Psy.D. - Pain Management Specialist
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611 (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.
Sometimes we all hit a wall, and the tools that we have been using to manage life's challenges are just not cutting it anymore. Many of the clients that I work with are feeling overwhelmed and out-of-control. They find that worry, self-doubt, and even physical pain have become uninvited, yet constant companions. They are hurting from sleepless nights, second guessing themselves, forgotten pastimes, and lost relationships. But they want more, and they begin to engage in counseling because they are ready to care for themselves in new ways.
Sometimes we all hit a wall, and the tools that we have been using to manage life's challenges are just not cutting it anymore. Many of the clients that I work with are feeling overwhelmed and out-of-control. They find that worry, self-doubt, and even physical pain have become uninvited, yet constant companions. They are hurting from sleepless nights, second guessing themselves, forgotten pastimes, and lost relationships. But they want more, and they begin to engage in counseling because they are ready to care for themselves in new ways.
We commonly treat trauma, stress, anxiety, sleep issues, chronic pain, ADHD, depression, relationship stress, concussion, brain injury, and grief.
I am a licensed psychologist with expertise in neurofeedback, neuropsychology, chronic pain treatment, individual psychotherapy, meditation, and qEEG brain mapping. I am board certified in neurofeedback and I use cutting-edge techniques to determine the best treatment and to improve outcomes.
We commonly treat trauma, stress, anxiety, sleep issues, chronic pain, ADHD, depression, relationship stress, concussion, brain injury, and grief.
I am a licensed psychologist with expertise in neurofeedback, neuropsychology, chronic pain treatment, individual psychotherapy, meditation, and qEEG brain mapping. I am board certified in neurofeedback and I use cutting-edge techniques to determine the best treatment and to improve outcomes.
I bring expertise in research-backed treatments including CBT, CBTi, ACT, and Pain Reprocessing Therapy, and am currently the site director for the Stanford based KP Empower study.
I am a clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety problems like stress, worry or OCD as well as health problems such as illness or chronic pain. If you are coping with any of these conditions, I can help you. Anxiety and pain can leave you feeling stuck, and overwhelmed, especially when you feel pressure to perform or make life decisions. I have a strong background in evidence-based treatments and focus on practical, results-oriented treatments that have been proven effective. No matter what challenges you are facing, we can work together to reduce uncomfortable feelings and help you live a happier and more fulfilled life.
I bring expertise in research-backed treatments including CBT, CBTi, ACT, and Pain Reprocessing Therapy, and am currently the site director for the Stanford based KP Empower study.
I am a clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety problems like stress, worry or OCD as well as health problems such as illness or chronic pain. If you are coping with any of these conditions, I can help you. Anxiety and pain can leave you feeling stuck, and overwhelmed, especially when you feel pressure to perform or make life decisions. I have a strong background in evidence-based treatments and focus on practical, results-oriented treatments that have been proven effective. No matter what challenges you are facing, we can work together to reduce uncomfortable feelings and help you live a happier and more fulfilled life.
Pauline Wakeham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
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.
I provide a warm, supportive presence, an individualized approach to counseling and offer the use of expressive arts and guided imagery in the service of easing grief and pain.
I specialize in supportive counseling with those facing serious illness (chronic, life threatening or new diagnoses), coping with the challenges of caregiving and grief/loss, as well as dealing with other life transitions. I am also pleased to provide consultations regarding elder care and planning for increasing needs. I frequently facilitate caregiver support groups and groups to support hospice staff members as they provide care to those who are terminally ill. In addition, I offer workshops employing expressive arts to address issues of grief and life transitions (Example: Day of the Dead Altar-making in Honor of Lost Loved ones).
I provide a warm, supportive presence, an individualized approach to counseling and offer the use of expressive arts and guided imagery in the service of easing grief and pain.
I specialize in supportive counseling with those facing serious illness (chronic, life threatening or new diagnoses), coping with the challenges of caregiving and grief/loss, as well as dealing with other life transitions. I am also pleased to provide consultations regarding elder care and planning for increasing needs. I frequently facilitate caregiver support groups and groups to support hospice staff members as they provide care to those who are terminally ill. In addition, I offer workshops employing expressive arts to address issues of grief and life transitions (Example: Day of the Dead Altar-making in Honor of Lost Loved ones).
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.
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With a background in health/medical psychology and biofeedback, I focus on mind-body health and chronic pain/ illness management.
Therapy with me is a place of active change. I help people manage stress and reduce overwhelm, strengthen relationships, build resilience, and move from "stuckness" into growth. My patients come to me to shift thinking styles, improve communication, and increase productivity. I use evidence-based practices (such as CBT and mindfulness) to enhance self-awareness, build skills, and achieve targeted goals. We also explore core beliefs and behavior patterns to deepen self-understanding. With couples, my work is informed by Emotionally Focused Therapy and Gottman research. My office is located in a beautiful, peaceful marina setting.
With a background in health/medical psychology and biofeedback, I focus on mind-body health and chronic pain/ illness management.
Therapy with me is a place of active change. I help people manage stress and reduce overwhelm, strengthen relationships, build resilience, and move from "stuckness" into growth. My patients come to me to shift thinking styles, improve communication, and increase productivity. I use evidence-based practices (such as CBT and mindfulness) to enhance self-awareness, build skills, and achieve targeted goals. We also explore core beliefs and behavior patterns to deepen self-understanding. With couples, my work is informed by Emotionally Focused Therapy and Gottman research. My office is located in a beautiful, peaceful marina setting.
Empower Your Life Through Somatic Therapy: With my extensive somatic training, I help clients build the capacity to understand and manage their feelings, so they can take charge of their lives instead of being overwhelmed by emotions. I address a variety of issues including social anxiety, relationship challenges, depression, sleep problems, chronic pain, navigating difficult family and work environments, finding and focusing on life passions, and coping with the world's traumatic state. Visit www.neckdowntherapy.com to learn more.
Empower Your Life Through Somatic Therapy: With my extensive somatic training, I help clients build the capacity to understand and manage their feelings, so they can take charge of their lives instead of being overwhelmed by emotions. I address a variety of issues including social anxiety, relationship challenges, depression, sleep problems, chronic pain, navigating difficult family and work environments, finding and focusing on life passions, and coping with the world's traumatic state. Visit www.neckdowntherapy.com to learn more.
I have over 10 years of experience providing psychotherapy to people facing a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, stress, and chronic pain.
Whether you are struggling with difficult emotions, your health, or you would like to have a more vital life, therapy can help guide your personal journey. There are moments when we all struggle, get lost, and stray off the path towards our goals. We get stuck in unhelpful patterns that are hard to break free from. Insight into these patterns can lead to making different choices that are empowering and life-affirming. I create a warm and inviting space for exploration and personal growth. While I provide therapy for adolescents and adults, I also provide psychological evaluations to clients across the lifespan.
I have over 10 years of experience providing psychotherapy to people facing a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, stress, and chronic pain.
Whether you are struggling with difficult emotions, your health, or you would like to have a more vital life, therapy can help guide your personal journey. There are moments when we all struggle, get lost, and stray off the path towards our goals. We get stuck in unhelpful patterns that are hard to break free from. Insight into these patterns can lead to making different choices that are empowering and life-affirming. I create a warm and inviting space for exploration and personal growth. While I provide therapy for adolescents and adults, I also provide psychological evaluations to clients across the lifespan.
Shallyn Wells
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, JD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611 (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.
Dr. Jackie Christensen
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601 (Online Only)
I will be present every step of the way, guiding you and providing the necessary tools to reduce pain, both physically and psychologically.
Perhaps you struggle with frequent worrying and feelings of restlessness, which interferes with your daily life and your quality of sleep. Maybe you also live with a chronic pain issue or condition, like chronic migraines, back pain, or something else that causes frequent discomfort. You may experience negative, perfectionistic and self-critical thoughts that you can't seem to shake. These feelings, thoughts and sensations can often seem unbearable, unrelenting and paralyzing. At times, you may wonder if you are all alone in these feelings. I am here to tell you that you are not alone and there is most definitely hope.
I will be present every step of the way, guiding you and providing the necessary tools to reduce pain, both physically and psychologically.
Perhaps you struggle with frequent worrying and feelings of restlessness, which interferes with your daily life and your quality of sleep. Maybe you also live with a chronic pain issue or condition, like chronic migraines, back pain, or something else that causes frequent discomfort. You may experience negative, perfectionistic and self-critical thoughts that you can't seem to shake. These feelings, thoughts and sensations can often seem unbearable, unrelenting and paralyzing. At times, you may wonder if you are all alone in these feelings. I am here to tell you that you are not alone and there is most definitely hope.
As my client you can expect me to be smart, sensitive, interactive, and direct while keeping and eliciting a sense of humor. Together, we will discuss those behaviors, interactions, and experiences that increase your stress. We’ll work on coping strategies to ease your pain and anxiety and increase your sense of satisfaction. My experience has led me to value self-direction and respect people of all ages. I know about the effects of violence, loss, chemical dependency and powerlessness, acute and generational trauma.
As my client you can expect me to be smart, sensitive, interactive, and direct while keeping and eliciting a sense of humor. Together, we will discuss those behaviors, interactions, and experiences that increase your stress. We’ll work on coping strategies to ease your pain and anxiety and increase your sense of satisfaction. My experience has led me to value self-direction and respect people of all ages. I know about the effects of violence, loss, chemical dependency and powerlessness, acute and generational trauma.
Alissa Blackman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
I work with adults and teens challenged by stress, anxiety, depression, physical pain, and trauma.
When difficulties are too much to handle or the next level of growth seems just out of reach, you may find yourself living with pain & stress. Some stress in life helps people grow, but chronic stress has a negative effect on your mind, body, emotions & spirit. You may find yourself using old mental, physical & emotional coping tools to survive, yet feel unable to make real change. Your ally in holistic healing, I offer a supportive, warm presence so you can explore what's difficult, hone your strengths, & gain simple yet powerful mind/body tools.
I work with adults and teens challenged by stress, anxiety, depression, physical pain, and trauma.
When difficulties are too much to handle or the next level of growth seems just out of reach, you may find yourself living with pain & stress. Some stress in life helps people grow, but chronic stress has a negative effect on your mind, body, emotions & spirit. You may find yourself using old mental, physical & emotional coping tools to survive, yet feel unable to make real change. Your ally in holistic healing, I offer a supportive, warm presence so you can explore what's difficult, hone your strengths, & gain simple yet powerful mind/body tools.
These are my core competencies: * Sports Psychology *Coaching for Peak Performance *Acceptance and Commitment Therapy *Cognitive Behavioral Therapy *Internal Family Systems * Mindfulness, Biofeedback, and Stress/ Pain Management *EMDR, EFT, and Hypnosis * Mindfulness-based Self-Compassion* Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISDP) .
I am a psychologist for sport, health, and life. I have spent 15 years studying, writing, teaching, and coaching people on how to perform at their best. I have worked with world-class performers from the arenas of sports, business, healthcare, and the United States Army. I have special expertise in Performance Psychology and train clients on how to strengthen the mental and emotional skills that underlie human performance excellence and sustainable resilience. I am a subject matter expert in the field of self-regulation techniques that promote optimism, resilience, alertness, and composure in high-pressure situations.
These are my core competencies: * Sports Psychology *Coaching for Peak Performance *Acceptance and Commitment Therapy *Cognitive Behavioral Therapy *Internal Family Systems * Mindfulness, Biofeedback, and Stress/ Pain Management *EMDR, EFT, and Hypnosis * Mindfulness-based Self-Compassion* Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISDP) .
I am a psychologist for sport, health, and life. I have spent 15 years studying, writing, teaching, and coaching people on how to perform at their best. I have worked with world-class performers from the arenas of sports, business, healthcare, and the United States Army. I have special expertise in Performance Psychology and train clients on how to strengthen the mental and emotional skills that underlie human performance excellence and sustainable resilience. I am a subject matter expert in the field of self-regulation techniques that promote optimism, resilience, alertness, and composure in high-pressure situations.
Demi Alex Ayuna
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607 (Online Only)
I work with QTBIPOC and neurodivergent communities, artists / creatives, folks with disability and chronic illness, gender identity and queerness, non-normative relationships, family of origin work, complex trauma, and identity exploration.
As a queer, trans, disabled, diasporic therapist, I am grateful to have built a flow of practices, rituals, and care webs that have allowed for my ongoing survival and healing. In return, I find grounding and power in community care- with the hopes of offering my lived experience and held presence to be supportive in your deep dives, excavations, and loving journeys. I offer co-created, trauma-informed space to explore, play, and feel through the pain, stuckness, or uncertainty you may be experiencing. I ground and honor your lived experience through an intersectional lens, and towards collective healing and liberation.
I work with QTBIPOC and neurodivergent communities, artists / creatives, folks with disability and chronic illness, gender identity and queerness, non-normative relationships, family of origin work, complex trauma, and identity exploration.
As a queer, trans, disabled, diasporic therapist, I am grateful to have built a flow of practices, rituals, and care webs that have allowed for my ongoing survival and healing. In return, I find grounding and power in community care- with the hopes of offering my lived experience and held presence to be supportive in your deep dives, excavations, and loving journeys. I offer co-created, trauma-informed space to explore, play, and feel through the pain, stuckness, or uncertainty you may be experiencing. I ground and honor your lived experience through an intersectional lens, and towards collective healing and liberation.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Oakland
- Alameda
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- Emeryville
- Lafayette
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- San Francisco
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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.