Photo of Zonya Johnson, Psychologist in 94111, CA
Zonya Johnson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94111
My Areas of Interest: relationship and intimacy, effective communication, depression, self esteem, loss, eating disorders, sexual abuse, trauma managing life crises/transitions leadership skills, life coaching ethnocultural issues, multicultural families, health and illness concerns, career family balance, stress related to infertility/reproductive technology, getting "unstuck," finding one's passion, blockages to creativity.
I have worked as a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist for over 25 years. I work with individuals and couples with a broad range of psychological and relationship problems. I very much enjoy the sociocultural diversity of the Bay Area and my psychotherapy practice reflects this diversity. Helping people maximize their individual potential is a never-ending source of satisfaction. I have special interests in relationship issues, women's issues, cultural concerns, and health-related problems. I also enjoy helping people find a balance between the demands of work, self, spirit and family.
My Areas of Interest: relationship and intimacy, effective communication, depression, self esteem, loss, eating disorders, sexual abuse, trauma managing life crises/transitions leadership skills, life coaching ethnocultural issues, multicultural families, health and illness concerns, career family balance, stress related to infertility/reproductive technology, getting "unstuck," finding one's passion, blockages to creativity.
I have worked as a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist for over 25 years. I work with individuals and couples with a broad range of psychological and relationship problems. I very much enjoy the sociocultural diversity of the Bay Area and my psychotherapy practice reflects this diversity. Helping people maximize their individual potential is a never-ending source of satisfaction. I have special interests in relationship issues, women's issues, cultural concerns, and health-related problems. I also enjoy helping people find a balance between the demands of work, self, spirit and family.
(925) 238-8809 View (925) 238-8809
Photo of Reuben P. Wolff, Psychologist in 94111, CA
Reuben P. Wolff
Psychologist, PsyD, SEP
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94111
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 Ask Alison Leigh, PHD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94111, CA
Ask Alison Leigh, PHD, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94111  (Online Only)
The past 22 years I've seen an eclectic group of clientele: men, women & couples of any gender/orientation who want to improve their sexual lifestyle. I've helped men overcome ED through increasing their self confidence and women who want to feel more sexually in charge. I've seen over 25,000 couples throughout every stage of their relationship whether single, dating, married, or exploring and experimenting couples to ones who are curious how to stay together and keep the chemistry strong. My clients include stay at home moms, stressed out executives, artists, entrepreneurs & communities: LGBTQ, BDSM, & Transgender Families.
The past 22 years I've seen an eclectic group of clientele: men, women & couples of any gender/orientation who want to improve their sexual lifestyle. I've helped men overcome ED through increasing their self confidence and women who want to feel more sexually in charge. I've seen over 25,000 couples throughout every stage of their relationship whether single, dating, married, or exploring and experimenting couples to ones who are curious how to stay together and keep the chemistry strong. My clients include stay at home moms, stressed out executives, artists, entrepreneurs & communities: LGBTQ, BDSM, & Transgender Families.
(628) 226-1830 View (628) 226-1830
Photo of Amir Ramezani, Psychologist in 94111, CA
Amir Ramezani
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94111  (Online Only)
As James Baldwin famously said, "not everything that has been faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed unless faced", I also offer you the following poem: "When we feel safe, anything is possible. We become unstoppable. Because we have a firm ground to launch and a safe ground to land. We can then stand. Voice ourselves, show ourselves. Life becomes a dance."
As James Baldwin famously said, "not everything that has been faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed unless faced", I also offer you the following poem: "When we feel safe, anything is possible. We become unstoppable. Because we have a firm ground to launch and a safe ground to land. We can then stand. Voice ourselves, show ourselves. Life becomes a dance."
(916) 963-9398 View (916) 963-9398
Photo of Claudio Zanet, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94111, CA
Claudio Zanet
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, MBA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94111
Are you making it through the day, looking to the rest of the world as if you're doing just fine, but deep down inside you feel stuck and uninspired? Do you wonder what is holding you back from thriving in the world? In our hectic world we often find ourselves afraid to take risks that could jeopardize the stable lives we've created for ourselves. We remain in jobs, relationships and old patterns that no longer work, while symptoms such as anxiety, depression, stress, anger and self-defeating patterns keep us from making real changes to our lives.
Are you making it through the day, looking to the rest of the world as if you're doing just fine, but deep down inside you feel stuck and uninspired? Do you wonder what is holding you back from thriving in the world? In our hectic world we often find ourselves afraid to take risks that could jeopardize the stable lives we've created for ourselves. We remain in jobs, relationships and old patterns that no longer work, while symptoms such as anxiety, depression, stress, anger and self-defeating patterns keep us from making real changes to our lives.
(415) 578-7307 View (415) 578-7307
Photo of Elvira Kitrar, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94111, CA
Elvira Kitrar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94111  (Online Only)
My approach to psychotherapy is holistic. I not only treat the "tip of the iceberg" problems, but also address the deeper, "bottom of the ocean," issues. I treat the whole person and honor the mind-body-spirit connections, taking into account the client's cultural, religious and ethnic background, ancestry, race and immigration history. I recognize the complexity of each person's history and circumstances and employ a wide variety of techniques to guide my clients in their self-discovery.
My approach to psychotherapy is holistic. I not only treat the "tip of the iceberg" problems, but also address the deeper, "bottom of the ocean," issues. I treat the whole person and honor the mind-body-spirit connections, taking into account the client's cultural, religious and ethnic background, ancestry, race and immigration history. I recognize the complexity of each person's history and circumstances and employ a wide variety of techniques to guide my clients in their self-discovery.
(415) 534-9620 View (415) 534-9620
Photo of Erin Elizabeth Powers, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in 94111, CA
Erin Elizabeth Powers
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94111
I believe that we all have the capacity to heal, despite any adversity we have faced. I hold an understanding that trauma is often at the root of unresolved issues, and I provide a safe space to unpack whatever is weighing on you. I have experience working with clients from a variety of backgrounds, including those experiencing anxiety and co-occurring health issues impacting mental health.I enjoy incorporating mindfulness, expressive arts, and other holistic modalities into my sessions and will provide resources for you to utilize in everyday life. As Carl Jung states, "I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become".
I believe that we all have the capacity to heal, despite any adversity we have faced. I hold an understanding that trauma is often at the root of unresolved issues, and I provide a safe space to unpack whatever is weighing on you. I have experience working with clients from a variety of backgrounds, including those experiencing anxiety and co-occurring health issues impacting mental health.I enjoy incorporating mindfulness, expressive arts, and other holistic modalities into my sessions and will provide resources for you to utilize in everyday life. As Carl Jung states, "I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become".
(323) 645-1821 View (323) 645-1821
Photo of Katy Trotta, Psychologist in 94111, CA
Katy Trotta
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94111
Stressed? Burned out? Anxious? Depressed? Overwhelmed by the world? Difficulty communicating? Feeling disconnected from your partner or yourself? The world is a crazy messy place sometimes (especially lately). Our past and current circumstances often create a difficult place to be in our thoughts and our feelings and we often can feel “stuck” in our current circumstances. Some of us carry really heavy burdens and keep on a brave face for those around us because for a lot of reasons like our jobs, roles at home, family, friends, keeping up with the Joneses, you name it!
Stressed? Burned out? Anxious? Depressed? Overwhelmed by the world? Difficulty communicating? Feeling disconnected from your partner or yourself? The world is a crazy messy place sometimes (especially lately). Our past and current circumstances often create a difficult place to be in our thoughts and our feelings and we often can feel “stuck” in our current circumstances. Some of us carry really heavy burdens and keep on a brave face for those around us because for a lot of reasons like our jobs, roles at home, family, friends, keeping up with the Joneses, you name it!
(805) 549-4159 View (805) 549-4159
Photo of Mary K. Bryan, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94111, CA
Mary K. Bryan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94111  (Online Only)
My experience over the past 20+ years has been in helping people cope and grow as a result of painful, confusing, conflict-filled or frightening patterns and/or life experiences. I am gentle and respectful and provide a safe and supportive environment that ensures emotional safety. In light of the the pandemic, I'm offering virtual, video-conference sessions over a HIPPA-compliant, online meeting site, Doxy.
My experience over the past 20+ years has been in helping people cope and grow as a result of painful, confusing, conflict-filled or frightening patterns and/or life experiences. I am gentle and respectful and provide a safe and supportive environment that ensures emotional safety. In light of the the pandemic, I'm offering virtual, video-conference sessions over a HIPPA-compliant, online meeting site, Doxy.
(415) 384-5209 View (415) 384-5209
Photo of Dr. Claudia Mezzera, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94111, CA
Dr. Claudia Mezzera
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94111  (Online Only)
You are in the midst of transition and need support with anxiety, depression, grief, and the many challenges that result from life's unexpected changes, disappointments, and losses. You'd like to become a better friend to yourself and you are highly motivated and curious about learning creative skills, techniques, and coping tools to overcome interpersonal obstacles. You want healthy relationships in your life. You welcome the idea of becoming your own therapist and your own best friend. You are ready to start a compassionate journey inward toward clarity, self-acceptance, empowerment, healing, hope, and wholeness.
You are in the midst of transition and need support with anxiety, depression, grief, and the many challenges that result from life's unexpected changes, disappointments, and losses. You'd like to become a better friend to yourself and you are highly motivated and curious about learning creative skills, techniques, and coping tools to overcome interpersonal obstacles. You want healthy relationships in your life. You welcome the idea of becoming your own therapist and your own best friend. You are ready to start a compassionate journey inward toward clarity, self-acceptance, empowerment, healing, hope, and wholeness.
(916) 587-6434 View (916) 587-6434
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.