Photo of Rylan Jay Testa, PhD, Psychologist
Rylan Jay Testa
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
As a health psychologist, my approach bridges mental and physical well-being, allowing you to reclaim your life from chronic health issues, such as chronic disease (ex. diabetes, chronic fatigue, IBS, CIRS etc.), weight and eating difficulties, stress-related illness, insomnia, pain, addiction, depression, and anxiety. I combine my expertise in multiple state of the art evidence-based treatment methods, with a nuanced understanding of who you are as a person, to create a tailored treatment approach specific to your aims. I also offer opportunities to incorporate mindfulness, music, art, movement, and nature therapy practices, to maximize your therapeutic success.
As a health psychologist, my approach bridges mental and physical well-being, allowing you to reclaim your life from chronic health issues, such as chronic disease (ex. diabetes, chronic fatigue, IBS, CIRS etc.), weight and eating difficulties, stress-related illness, insomnia, pain, addiction, depression, and anxiety. I combine my expertise in multiple state of the art evidence-based treatment methods, with a nuanced understanding of who you are as a person, to create a tailored treatment approach specific to your aims. I also offer opportunities to incorporate mindfulness, music, art, movement, and nature therapy practices, to maximize your therapeutic success.
(415) 358-0128 View (415) 358-0128
Photo of Roger J. Kuhn, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Roger J. Kuhn
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
I focus on issues such as out of control sexual behavior, sexual dysfunctions such as erectile issues, premature and delayed ejaculation, pelvic pain, intimacy with partner issues, and sexuality exploration including behavior and gender.
I am a certified sex therapist and work with clients experiencing issues related to sexuality including performance anxiety, sexual dysfunction, or problematic sexual behavior. We will examine the triggers in your life and find resources to help you manage your challenges when they arise. My work is informed from a social and sexual justice perspective. In addition to my work as a sex therapist, I also work with anxiety, depression, and grief. I am currently seeing clients online via video conference.
I focus on issues such as out of control sexual behavior, sexual dysfunctions such as erectile issues, premature and delayed ejaculation, pelvic pain, intimacy with partner issues, and sexuality exploration including behavior and gender.
I am a certified sex therapist and work with clients experiencing issues related to sexuality including performance anxiety, sexual dysfunction, or problematic sexual behavior. We will examine the triggers in your life and find resources to help you manage your challenges when they arise. My work is informed from a social and sexual justice perspective. In addition to my work as a sex therapist, I also work with anxiety, depression, and grief. I am currently seeing clients online via video conference.
(415) 630-5758 View (415) 630-5758
Photo of John Beahan, PsyD, Psychologist
John Beahan
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110  (Online Only)
I have experience working with depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, addiction and health-related issues like chronic disease management and chronic pain management.
I am licensed Clinical Psychologist who is trained using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Seeking Safety and Motivational Interviewing. It is my intention in therapy to develop a collaborative atmosphere to develop a treatment approach that fits the needs of the individual to improve quality of life.
I have experience working with depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, addiction and health-related issues like chronic disease management and chronic pain management.
I am licensed Clinical Psychologist who is trained using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Seeking Safety and Motivational Interviewing. It is my intention in therapy to develop a collaborative atmosphere to develop a treatment approach that fits the needs of the individual to improve quality of life.
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Photo of Dr. Helge Osterhold, PhD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Helge Osterhold
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
I'm an integrative psychotherapist working with individuals and couples. My approach is engaged and caring, providing a safe and supportive environment, where you can reflect and develop new ways of handling challenges you are facing. The focus of my practice is twofold: relationship issues and life transitions (e.g. themes like change in relationship, career changes, relocation, pregnancy, child birth and parenting, facing illness, trauma and loss as well as seeking more meaning and fulfillment in life). I have a particular expertise in working with people who immigrated to the US or have diverse cultural backgrounds.
I'm an integrative psychotherapist working with individuals and couples. My approach is engaged and caring, providing a safe and supportive environment, where you can reflect and develop new ways of handling challenges you are facing. The focus of my practice is twofold: relationship issues and life transitions (e.g. themes like change in relationship, career changes, relocation, pregnancy, child birth and parenting, facing illness, trauma and loss as well as seeking more meaning and fulfillment in life). I have a particular expertise in working with people who immigrated to the US or have diverse cultural backgrounds.
(650) 450-8918 View (650) 450-8918
Photo of Samuel Khanukayev, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Samuel Khanukayev
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
Prospective clients can anticipate the collaborative work of deconstructing, analyzing, and working through psychological pain.
I strive to facilitate a reflective and explorative environment where the unbearable can be held and truth can be spoken. Multicultural and bilingual elements of my identity, and a history of enduring ethnic discrimination and immigration, significantly inform how I listen to my clients, think through trauma and fragmentation with them. Unconscious repetitions of aversion, clinging, and reenactments of familiar/familial ways of being bind us in suffering. Through psychotherapy, rigid frames of being can be deconstructed and psychological space can be reclaimed for creativity, desire and becoming.
Prospective clients can anticipate the collaborative work of deconstructing, analyzing, and working through psychological pain.
I strive to facilitate a reflective and explorative environment where the unbearable can be held and truth can be spoken. Multicultural and bilingual elements of my identity, and a history of enduring ethnic discrimination and immigration, significantly inform how I listen to my clients, think through trauma and fragmentation with them. Unconscious repetitions of aversion, clinging, and reenactments of familiar/familial ways of being bind us in suffering. Through psychotherapy, rigid frames of being can be deconstructed and psychological space can be reclaimed for creativity, desire and becoming.
(510) 982-6497 View (510) 982-6497
Photo of David E Marquez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
David E Marquez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
My own personal experience has shown me that therapy can be life changing. I firmly believe that we are the "experts" of our own lives, but we all can use some collaborative support when life gets tough. As a bilingual, bicultural, gay therapist, I believe that everyone should be treated with compassion, kindness, and understanding how your life experiences have shaped you. By having an open dialogue with your inner self, therapy allows you to build the tools and skills to live a meaningful life separate from pain and trauma.
My own personal experience has shown me that therapy can be life changing. I firmly believe that we are the "experts" of our own lives, but we all can use some collaborative support when life gets tough. As a bilingual, bicultural, gay therapist, I believe that everyone should be treated with compassion, kindness, and understanding how your life experiences have shaped you. By having an open dialogue with your inner self, therapy allows you to build the tools and skills to live a meaningful life separate from pain and trauma.
(415) 889-8667 View (415) 889-8667
Photo of Reuben P. Wolff, PsyD, SEP, Psychologist
Reuben P. Wolff
Psychologist, PsyD, SEP
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
I have extensive expertise in hypnosis and mindfulness to support the psychotherapy process and to help you if you are dealing with emotions, habits, chronic pain, illness or surgery.
Are you ready to reach your potential? Are you tired of being caught in repeating patterns? Are you facing new challenges? Would you benefit from support and insights? You have shown clear motivation to create a clearer path for yourself because searching for the right collaborative therapist is a courageous act that can help you to achieve greater harmony as you move into your future. Perhaps you are experiencing anxiety or depression, are in life transition, are spiritually stuck, or are curious about what is next for you. I invite you to explore how I can assist you in a safe and accepting environment.
I have extensive expertise in hypnosis and mindfulness to support the psychotherapy process and to help you if you are dealing with emotions, habits, chronic pain, illness or surgery.
Are you ready to reach your potential? Are you tired of being caught in repeating patterns? Are you facing new challenges? Would you benefit from support and insights? You have shown clear motivation to create a clearer path for yourself because searching for the right collaborative therapist is a courageous act that can help you to achieve greater harmony as you move into your future. Perhaps you are experiencing anxiety or depression, are in life transition, are spiritually stuck, or are curious about what is next for you. I invite you to explore how I can assist you in a safe and accepting environment.
(415) 799-4147 View (415) 799-4147
Photo of Brooke Ferragamo, PhD, Psychologist
Brooke Ferragamo
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
In our work together, we can explore deeper unconscious patterns that are causing you unnecessary pain.
I offer a grounded, warm, and personalized approach to help adolescents and adults cope with life transitions, chronic distress, trauma, and other mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. I am passionate about serving adolescents who are struggling to find their place in our rapidly changing world, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and any folks who feel as though they have difficulty fitting into society's prescribed norms. Some folks reach out with a specific goal in mind, while just as many enter therapy with more of a feeling that something is not quite right. In either case, you are welcome here.
In our work together, we can explore deeper unconscious patterns that are causing you unnecessary pain.
I offer a grounded, warm, and personalized approach to help adolescents and adults cope with life transitions, chronic distress, trauma, and other mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. I am passionate about serving adolescents who are struggling to find their place in our rapidly changing world, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and any folks who feel as though they have difficulty fitting into society's prescribed norms. Some folks reach out with a specific goal in mind, while just as many enter therapy with more of a feeling that something is not quite right. In either case, you are welcome here.
(415) 639-4075 View (415) 639-4075
Photo of Daniel Matthieu Cohen, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Daniel Matthieu Cohen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94131
I specialize in working with teens, adults, and older adults who cope with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, mental illness, and major life events.
I specialize in an integrative therapeutic approach that combines CBT, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Psychodynamic Theory. This blend is designed to help you uncover and align with your deepest values, improve self-confidence, reduce stress and suffering, and to find more richness and meaning in your life. I'm here to be in your corner, as an ally and as a guide. Additionally, as a powerful supplement for adults, I am partnered with Journey Clinical to offer legal, safe Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy that can be experienced in the comfort of my office or your home.
I specialize in working with teens, adults, and older adults who cope with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, mental illness, and major life events.
I specialize in an integrative therapeutic approach that combines CBT, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Psychodynamic Theory. This blend is designed to help you uncover and align with your deepest values, improve self-confidence, reduce stress and suffering, and to find more richness and meaning in your life. I'm here to be in your corner, as an ally and as a guide. Additionally, as a powerful supplement for adults, I am partnered with Journey Clinical to offer legal, safe Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy that can be experienced in the comfort of my office or your home.
(510) 395-8582 View (510) 395-8582
Photo of Sean Fitzgerald, DMFT, LMHC, LPCC, Counselor
Sean Fitzgerald
Counselor, DMFT, LMHC, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109  (Online Only)
Do you feel unbalanced and overwhelmed? Feeling trapped by your own life? Sometimes people and life expect more and more out of us, leaving nothing for us but a full schedule and an empty life. You may also fear expressing our emotions because you're not sure what will happen if you do. Whether it’s problems with work, home life, a relationship, chronic illness or a specific event like a major transition, accident, or sudden death, I can help by providing a safe place for you to open up and feel heard.
Do you feel unbalanced and overwhelmed? Feeling trapped by your own life? Sometimes people and life expect more and more out of us, leaving nothing for us but a full schedule and an empty life. You may also fear expressing our emotions because you're not sure what will happen if you do. Whether it’s problems with work, home life, a relationship, chronic illness or a specific event like a major transition, accident, or sudden death, I can help by providing a safe place for you to open up and feel heard.
(909) 532-6100 View (909) 532-6100
Photo of Brian King, PsyD, QME, Psychologist
Brian King
Psychologist, PsyD, QME
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
, depression, anxiety, pain, self-destructive behaviors, substance use).
I seek to provide a thoughtful and reflective setting where clients develop greater understanding of their problems and limitations through honest exploration of themselves, and to bolster strengths/foster growth. I provide a friendly and open atmosphere to invite sharing of whatever thought or feeling that comes up so that they can be explored, analyzed and ultimately changed if you want. I work in a collaborative way and do not necessarily see my role as an advice giver, but as a thoughtful companion in helping you find your own solutions and understanding. I use a flexible blend of clinical techniques and theories.
, depression, anxiety, pain, self-destructive behaviors, substance use).
I seek to provide a thoughtful and reflective setting where clients develop greater understanding of their problems and limitations through honest exploration of themselves, and to bolster strengths/foster growth. I provide a friendly and open atmosphere to invite sharing of whatever thought or feeling that comes up so that they can be explored, analyzed and ultimately changed if you want. I work in a collaborative way and do not necessarily see my role as an advice giver, but as a thoughtful companion in helping you find your own solutions and understanding. I use a flexible blend of clinical techniques and theories.
(415) 991-3069 View (415) 991-3069
Photo of Mark Sullivan, PhD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mark Sullivan
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
I work with adults struggling with a range of difficulties from relationship issues, problems at work, school behavior, addictions, sexuality, anxiety, depression, trauma, loss, aging, and illness.
Successful psychotherapy is a partnership based on trust. People do change, becoming more truly themselves when they find the right, trained therapist and are able to talk freely. I listen to you with respect and you develop greater self awareness. This enables you to communicate more clearly, to reflect on difficult issues, and to let go of outmoded behaviors that do not further your deeper needs.
I work with adults struggling with a range of difficulties from relationship issues, problems at work, school behavior, addictions, sexuality, anxiety, depression, trauma, loss, aging, and illness.
Successful psychotherapy is a partnership based on trust. People do change, becoming more truly themselves when they find the right, trained therapist and are able to talk freely. I listen to you with respect and you develop greater self awareness. This enables you to communicate more clearly, to reflect on difficult issues, and to let go of outmoded behaviors that do not further your deeper needs.
(510) 756-2113 View (510) 756-2113
Photo of undefined - Mindfulness Psychotherapy, Jim Mathis LMFT, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mindfulness Psychotherapy, Jim Mathis LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
I use the principles of Positive Psychology and Mindfulness to teach techniques that increase awareness and ability to control attention so that you can experience happiness and not be a slave to compulsive thinking. You will learn and experience living in a way that frees energy that is being spent on habitual regrets of the past and worries of the future. I can guide you through loneliness, isolation, emotional pain, grief, relationship distress and trauma.
I use the principles of Positive Psychology and Mindfulness to teach techniques that increase awareness and ability to control attention so that you can experience happiness and not be a slave to compulsive thinking. You will learn and experience living in a way that frees energy that is being spent on habitual regrets of the past and worries of the future. I can guide you through loneliness, isolation, emotional pain, grief, relationship distress and trauma.
(530) 723-1649 View (530) 723-1649
Photo of Jordan Boehler, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jordan Boehler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
If you could let go of anything, what would it be? I provide short-term, intensive therapy that resolves the cause of your issue. I am a practitioner of Mimetic Therapies. This means I facilitate profound and transformational experiences in the resolution of Trauma/PTSD and Grief/Loss, as well as panic, depression, phobia, and pain for anyone- regardless of background- interested in feeling better. My ideal client is done talking about it, done doing workbooks, done understanding the cause. I connect deeply and directly with the parts of you that have been trying so hard to protect and heal your self and cause them to collaborate.
If you could let go of anything, what would it be? I provide short-term, intensive therapy that resolves the cause of your issue. I am a practitioner of Mimetic Therapies. This means I facilitate profound and transformational experiences in the resolution of Trauma/PTSD and Grief/Loss, as well as panic, depression, phobia, and pain for anyone- regardless of background- interested in feeling better. My ideal client is done talking about it, done doing workbooks, done understanding the cause. I connect deeply and directly with the parts of you that have been trying so hard to protect and heal your self and cause them to collaborate.
(925) 248-3871 View (925) 248-3871
Photo of Christopher Scott, PhD, Licensed Psychoanalyst
Christopher Scott
Licensed Psychoanalyst, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110  (Online Only)
I see my role as facilitating a process that helps you feel less pain and greater freedom in your life.
Our work together can help if you feel undone by anxiety or frustration; stuck in grief or conflict; isolated from meaningful relationships; inhibited in your desire and creativity; held back by obsessions, repetitions, or trauma. You will be invited to speak about your life and what is on your mind in detail—past and present, fantasy and reality. I will listen closely and with care. This practice offers relief from even the deepest pain and suffering. As you understand yourself in new ways through our work, you will be able to transform your relationship to the history that weighs you down and find a way forward that is more alive.
I see my role as facilitating a process that helps you feel less pain and greater freedom in your life.
Our work together can help if you feel undone by anxiety or frustration; stuck in grief or conflict; isolated from meaningful relationships; inhibited in your desire and creativity; held back by obsessions, repetitions, or trauma. You will be invited to speak about your life and what is on your mind in detail—past and present, fantasy and reality. I will listen closely and with care. This practice offers relief from even the deepest pain and suffering. As you understand yourself in new ways through our work, you will be able to transform your relationship to the history that weighs you down and find a way forward that is more alive.
(510) 990-3700 View (510) 990-3700
Photo of Jacob Donnelly, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jacob Donnelly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94105  (Online Only)
I am a non-judgmental, active therapist, specializing in substance use/addictions, anxiety, anger, depression, trauma, chronic pain and illness, relationships, and work stress. Prior to private practice, I was the Clinical Director at a San Francisco non-profit serving veterans. I enjoy working with adults, older adults, older teens (16+) and couples. Whether you want to get support around new changes in your life that are causing you pain and worry, or work through problems that have been with you for years, my goal is to help you feel relief, feel empowered, and work through the things that are out of your control.
I am a non-judgmental, active therapist, specializing in substance use/addictions, anxiety, anger, depression, trauma, chronic pain and illness, relationships, and work stress. Prior to private practice, I was the Clinical Director at a San Francisco non-profit serving veterans. I enjoy working with adults, older adults, older teens (16+) and couples. Whether you want to get support around new changes in your life that are causing you pain and worry, or work through problems that have been with you for years, my goal is to help you feel relief, feel empowered, and work through the things that are out of your control.
(510) 399-1667 View (510) 399-1667
Photo of Charles Ukaoma, LPCC, Counselor
Charles Ukaoma
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
Dr. Charles Ukaoma, is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LAADC) as well as Internationally Cerified Co-Occurring Disorder Professional (ICCDP). He has been working in the arena of substance use disorders and Mental Health Disorders for about 36 years. He is also Certified at an Independent Practitioner Level (SOTP-') by the California Sex Offender Management Board (CASOMB) for the assessment and Treatment for individuals who have been convicted of sexually offending behaviors by the California Courts. Dr. Ukaoma received his A. S.
Dr. Charles Ukaoma, is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LAADC) as well as Internationally Cerified Co-Occurring Disorder Professional (ICCDP). He has been working in the arena of substance use disorders and Mental Health Disorders for about 36 years. He is also Certified at an Independent Practitioner Level (SOTP-') by the California Sex Offender Management Board (CASOMB) for the assessment and Treatment for individuals who have been convicted of sexually offending behaviors by the California Courts. Dr. Ukaoma received his A. S.
(628) 212-6877 View (628) 212-6877
Photo of Nate Hinerman, PhD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nate Hinerman
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
Nate Hinerman, PhD, LMFT, is Dean of Undergraduate Programs at Golden Gate University, San Francisco, where he is also a tenured Professor of Psychology, as well as the Chair of the Psychology Department. He is also on the faculty at the University of San Francisco, teaching in the Nursing School, and in the Religious Studies Department. He serves as Chair of the San Francisco End of Life Network, a community-based support and education group for hospice and palliative care professionals and patients, now in its 23rd year (www.sfeol.org).
Nate Hinerman, PhD, LMFT, is Dean of Undergraduate Programs at Golden Gate University, San Francisco, where he is also a tenured Professor of Psychology, as well as the Chair of the Psychology Department. He is also on the faculty at the University of San Francisco, teaching in the Nursing School, and in the Religious Studies Department. He serves as Chair of the San Francisco End of Life Network, a community-based support and education group for hospice and palliative care professionals and patients, now in its 23rd year (www.sfeol.org).
(628) 215-8084 View (628) 215-8084
Photo of Robert Schene, MFT, CGP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Robert Schene
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, CGP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
Stepping into therapy with someone is an inherently risky process. You are courageously opening up to someone that you don't really know, in hopes of changing, of finding something new, of building a relationship that can create positive change. I respect those who take the leap and I get the importance that you find the right therapist so that you can be understood at a deep level and begin looking more closely at the places in your life that you would like to see change.
Stepping into therapy with someone is an inherently risky process. You are courageously opening up to someone that you don't really know, in hopes of changing, of finding something new, of building a relationship that can create positive change. I respect those who take the leap and I get the importance that you find the right therapist so that you can be understood at a deep level and begin looking more closely at the places in your life that you would like to see change.
(415) 702-0949 View (415) 702-0949
Photo of Rene Dumetz Ph. D., PhD, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rene Dumetz Ph. D.
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94109  (Online Only)
"Look within. All you need, you have. Use it. Behave as best you know; do what you think you should. Don't be afraid of mistakes; you can always correct them; only intentions matter. The shape things take is not within your power; the motives of your actions are." (Nisargadata 1973, p.365)
"Look within. All you need, you have. Use it. Behave as best you know; do what you think you should. Don't be afraid of mistakes; you can always correct them; only intentions matter. The shape things take is not within your power; the motives of your actions are." (Nisargadata 1973, p.365)
(323) 431-9369 View (323) 431-9369

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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.