Chronic Pain Therapists in Westlake Village, CA
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Envision Wellness Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
We are passionate about helping women who are faced with various challenges related to infertility, postpartum, women's health, and chronic
illness
. Our team of therapists uses their specialized training and lived experience to customize ways to best support you during this time.

Aly Thompson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
6 Endorsed
Verified
6 Endorsed
I know how difficult it can feel to overcome trauma, sexual/physical/emotional/spiritual abuse, depression/anxiety, or
chronic pain
/
illness
, but it is possible. I know this to be true from my own lived experience, so I have dedicated my professional life to helping adult individuals 18+ navigate these challenges. It's time to take that next step if you feel like there are blocks in your life preventing you from living to the fullest. If you've experienced trauma, big or small, depression and anxiety,
chronic pain
/
illness
, or any form of abuse, know that you are not alone. I see you, and I am here to step towards healing with you.

Diane R. Lipson, Ph.D.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
If you are feeling alone and frightened due to chronic
illness
or
pain
, there is help.
In my practice, I see patients dealing with anxiety and depression associated with chronic and severe Medical problems. As a Health Psychologist, I have been in private practice since 1986, following my Doctoral work at USC. In graduate school, my research was involved with psychological reactions to serious medical conditions. Since that time, I have worked with many patients suffering from
pain
, cardiac conditions, cancer and autoimmune disorders, in addition to helping people cope with grief. Chronic
illness
is life altering, and can affect every aspect of a person's life. Learning to cope is critical in reclaiming your life.

Shelley L Segal
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Pain
is a mind-body experience impacting our sense of self and relationships.
As a clinical psychologist working with adolescents, adults and couples, my goal is to help people struggling with life's challenges and difficulties. I will help you gain insight into short and long-term issues and provide you with valuable tools and techniques to provide relief from symptoms and/or situations that are negatively impacting your life. This results in a better sense of self and well-being and more fulfilling relationships. I treat a wide array of psychological problems such as anxiety and depression and specialize in treating those suffering with
chronic pain
.

Bruce Whitney
Psychologist, PhD, QME
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
EVENING APPTS. I chose a PhD in Clinical Psychology in order to help individuals suffering with the emotional
pain
and upheaval that life's ups and downs can bring. I enjoy a close working relationship and collaborative trust based connection with my patients, which brings the reward of personal growth and stimulates the healing process. With more than 28 years in the mental health profession, and 25+ years in private practice, I continue working to expand my education and experience to include a wide variety of psychotherapeutical skill sets.

Patricia A. Ruddy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified
Verified
I truly have a gift of providing empathy and rapport and helping individuals acknowledge their
pain
and move toward solutions through personal and spiritual growth.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I have been providing psychotherapy for almost thirty years with all ages and all different populations. My treatment modality encompasses an electic style based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Brief/Solution Focused Therapy. An integral part of my work with clients includes establishing a collaborative and therapeutic alliance, identifying goals, and developing solutions. I empower clients to identify their resilience, resourcefulness and systems of support where I guide clients through the process of discovering their aspirations and developing solutions.

Brenna Belnick
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA
Verified
Verified
I enjoy working with children, teens, and young adults who are coping with trauma, anxiety/depression, chronic
illness
, identity issues, and/or relationship/familial difficulties.
I believe it takes an immense amount of courage to ask for help when you feel like you are struggling. Life can be unfair, relentless, scary, and exhausting at times. As a therapist, I believe that exploring the root of those negative feelings, thoughts, and/or events that happened to you can be the driving force for establishing insight and positive change in yourself and in your interpersonal relationships. I aim to create a safe, warm, and transparent space for you to feel comfortable, confident, and cared for in.
Waitlist for new clients

Eric Bellman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Eric Bellman LCSW the Right Therapy
-I am dedicated to the right approach
in treating BPD and PTSD
pain
management
and addictions.
-Therapy is also useful for other
complex situations people face
from mental
illness
to
life transitions
and creative blocks
Therapy has many uses
from the most serious challenges
of emotional disorders
to the creative techniques
for overcoming mental blocks
by helping to channel
emotionally regulated energy
into a creative life.
The right teamwork and approach
helps everyone;
-individuals of all ages
-married couples
- families
and people undergoing personal life transitions in our fast changing world

Joan Howard
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified
Verified
Chronic pain
, weight and body issues, and fear and depression related to life issues beyond one's control are just some of the kinds of presenting problems to bring for the conversation to see how I can be of help.
I welcome you to contact me directly. We can take the opportunity to address your needs during a complimentary consultation either by phone or in person. Whether self-referred, referred by a friend, colleague, physician or other health professional, I can help assess and address your needs collaboratively, working along with you to resolve your issues and meet your goals. Fees are flexible.
Waitlist for new clients

Casey J. Simon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
When it comes to mental
illness
, treatment and outlook can feel daunting. My therapeutic approach is developed on an individual basis with an emphasis on reshaping personality organization in order to create long-lasting change. I truly enjoy assisting my patients in defeating their symptoms and regaining control of their lives. I have experience working with an array of individuals, ranging from young children to adults suffering from a multitude of mental health issues. Aside from my private practice, I work as a group therapist in an intensive outpatient program with individuals just released from emergency psychiatric care.

Daniela L. Paolone
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS LMFT
Verified
22 Endorsed
Verified
22 Endorsed
Are you finding it is hard to stay focused and take care of yourself while taking care of others? Perhaps you are navigating health challenges, chronic
illness
,
chronic pain
or are going through the process of pregnancy to postpartum. All of these experiences can really increase anxiety making daily tasks and responsibilities all that much harder to achieve. You put on a brave face so everyone thinks you have it all together & that you're fine, but that's not true. In fact, keeping up the façade that everything is great is leaving you feeling exhausted & you are ready for a change.
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Stephen Trudeau
Psychologist, Psy D
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My strategy is to focus on the positive while acknowledging the actual physical, mental, and emotional
pain
.
Life does not go as planned. Here we are, at this particular crossroads. Are you ready to change? To take more control of your life? Together we can build a Thriving life, not just merely existing/surviving. Let's remove the barriers to your happiness, success, freedom. You are allowed to pursue a life which fulfills you. "These mountains you carry on your back, you were meant to climb them. Set your burden down."

Linda K. Laffey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified
Verified
Would you like to take control of your life? With the global pandemic at hand and things changing on a daily basis, taking control seems nearly impossible these days. We can. Do you repeatedly find yourself in relationships that hurt? Does
pain
from your past keep you from enjoying your life now? If so, I can help you learn to stop the pattern and start enjoying life. Change is possible, and you do not have to go on living in
pain
. We can work together to identify what is preventing you from living your life the way you have always wanted to, and with my training and experience, I can help you get where you want to go quickly.

Christine (Sefein) Wolk
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I gently challenge my clients to expand their thinking, so they may emerge from trauma and
pain
with resilience, and that they are equipped with tools to develop meaningful relationships with themselves and others.
Welcome! I'm a person-centered therapist who believes each of us has the answers for life's most important questions. I believe in living your truth, showing up for yourself & in your relationships. I hold true to my traditional values of family, shared humanity, freedom of speech, freedom of expression, self-accountability, and self-compassion. In my role as a therapist, I share insight & guide my clients to look within, to proactively make choices that lead to gratifying relationships , sense of purpose, personal accountability & self-determination.

Dani Jacoby
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
Whatever your reasons for seeking therapy at this time, I honor your courage to do so. Perhaps you seek a “coming home” to yourself in a way that feels safe & meaningful. Perhaps you long to understand yourself in relationships or in the world around you. Or perhaps, you wish you make meaning of wounding or painful experiences. I believe that while we are incredibly resilient as humans, our
pain
is not meant to be held alone; as we need a present & safe other to help us hold, bear, & process these experiences. Thus, I am honored to walk alongside you as we explore & process all that you hold within.

Annette Lorraine Hernandez
CHT
Through hypnotherapy or Reiki you can find self improvement. Stress relief, weight loss, fears/phobias and letting go of grief are some of the issues I help clients with. I also work in conjunction with doctors to help with medical issues such as
pain
relief, dentist care, etc. Hypnosis helps you access the larger part of your mind (the subconscious) responsible for automatic behavior. Through suggestions you can achieve transformation by letting go of limiting beliefs. Some clients prefer Japanese Reiki energy sessions which help balance the body mentally, physically and emotionally.

Sally McClain
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, perfectionism, and eating disorders. In addition, I work with individuals living with chronic
illness
and I have extensive experience working with Type 1 Diabetes. I focus on identifying the root of the problem and developing an array of coping tools to alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Depending on my client, I do regular talk therapy, walk-and-talk therapy, equine therapy, and utilize various intervention styles. I would love to explore the ways that I can be of support to you and your loved one.

Gabriel Cooper
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MPhil, MS
Verified
7 Endorsed
Verified
7 Endorsed
I welcome individuals navigating all life issues and have specialties in anxiety, relationships, and living with chronic
illness
. It is my mission to completely see and help you understand the dimensions of your world. Together, we tackle relational, emotional, and personal challenges that affect you deeply. You can sit down and rest knowing you don't have to hold it all alone. NOTE: Walking therapy and a therapy dog are available.

Madeline Elia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I also have years of expertise in psycho-oncology and have unique offerings for families and individuals experiencing cancer and chronic
illness
.
Hi! I’m Madeline. I specialize in helping teens and adults make meaning out of challenges and loss, navigate transitions, and deepen their relationships with others. Most of us encounter some form of trauma or loss in our lives, and these challenges can impact our mood, our sense of self, and our relationship with the world around us. I provide a warm, collaborative space for clients to uncover and re-frame unhelpful beliefs, develop skills to cope with anxiety and depression, and set helpful boundaries with those around them.

Laurie Goldey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
After years of working on my own mindful meditation practice, I've learned how incredibly helpful this approach can be to reducing anxiety,
chronic pain
, rumination, and insomnia. I would be honored to help you become more centered, calm, patient and attuned to those around you. My goal is to help you achieve a level of harmony in all of your relationships; whether you are a child or an adult.
See more therapy options for
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.