Photo of Holly Gordon, Psychologist in 94118, CA
Holly Gordon
Psychologist, DMH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
Talking to someone who understands the pain you feel-depression, anxiety, or feeling stuck-can relieve inner distress and give you a new perspective on your life. I am empathic and experienced at providing a safe setting where we can explore what is causing you to feel anxious, distressed or unfulfilled. In therapy we work together to clarify those emotions that have kept you from moving forward in your life. You will find new ways to see yourself and others, which leads to more meaningful relationships and a more fulfilling life.
Talking to someone who understands the pain you feel-depression, anxiety, or feeling stuck-can relieve inner distress and give you a new perspective on your life. I am empathic and experienced at providing a safe setting where we can explore what is causing you to feel anxious, distressed or unfulfilled. In therapy we work together to clarify those emotions that have kept you from moving forward in your life. You will find new ways to see yourself and others, which leads to more meaningful relationships and a more fulfilling life.
(415) 787-3993 View (415) 787-3993
Photo of Brian King, Psychologist in 94118, CA
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 Ali Gunsberg, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94118, CA
Ali Gunsberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
One of the most difficult aspects of being a parent is seeing your child in pain and feeling like there is nothing that you can do to help. Whether they feel the pain of depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, divorce or social and academic pressure, my expertise is in helping children connect with their inner strength and confidence. I support families in developing the communication skills necessary to allow children to grow and move forward in healthy ways. I believe all children are unique, and my goal is to help bring out the best in your child.
One of the most difficult aspects of being a parent is seeing your child in pain and feeling like there is nothing that you can do to help. Whether they feel the pain of depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, divorce or social and academic pressure, my expertise is in helping children connect with their inner strength and confidence. I support families in developing the communication skills necessary to allow children to grow and move forward in healthy ways. I believe all children are unique, and my goal is to help bring out the best in your child.
(415) 295-4664 View (415) 295-4664
Photo of Rebecca A. Ward, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94118, CA
Rebecca A. Ward
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MA, LMFT, SEP, PCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
Waitlist for new clients
Regardless of your suffering, there is a way through it and because we each have our own way of processing emotional wounds, I take an individualized approach to help you transform pain into healing. I specialize in addressing trauma and grief. This includes the loss of a loved one, traumatic loss (event-related, developmental), as well as psychological symptoms associated with chronic and terminal illness. Through an integrated approach, my work is about healing the soul and finding light in the darkness despite facing life-threatening conditions afflicting the body, mind, heart, and spirit.
Regardless of your suffering, there is a way through it and because we each have our own way of processing emotional wounds, I take an individualized approach to help you transform pain into healing. I specialize in addressing trauma and grief. This includes the loss of a loved one, traumatic loss (event-related, developmental), as well as psychological symptoms associated with chronic and terminal illness. Through an integrated approach, my work is about healing the soul and finding light in the darkness despite facing life-threatening conditions afflicting the body, mind, heart, and spirit.
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Photo of Lauren Mizock, Psychologist in 94118, CA
Lauren Mizock
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
My goal is to create an empowering space to draw from your strengths in overcoming current challenges. I work collaboratively with clients to establish ongoing, flexible goals for therapy to make our sessions most effective. I individualize therapy to each person using a range of techniques and approaches. I am particularly interested in the stories we tell about our lives and the meaning we make of them. My clients describe me as warm, positive, and insightful.
My goal is to create an empowering space to draw from your strengths in overcoming current challenges. I work collaboratively with clients to establish ongoing, flexible goals for therapy to make our sessions most effective. I individualize therapy to each person using a range of techniques and approaches. I am particularly interested in the stories we tell about our lives and the meaning we make of them. My clients describe me as warm, positive, and insightful.
(415) 843-8560 View (415) 843-8560
Photo of Sheena Craig, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94118, CA
Sheena Craig
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
I currently work with adult and adolescent individuals and couples. The issues I deal with include depression and dysthymia, panic attacks, stress, generalized anxiety disorder, gender identity disorder, obsessions and compulsions, childhood sexual trauma, childhood physical abuse, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, communication conflict, commitment, intimacy, sexual difficulties, insecurity, trust, infidelity and social phobia.
I currently work with adult and adolescent individuals and couples. The issues I deal with include depression and dysthymia, panic attacks, stress, generalized anxiety disorder, gender identity disorder, obsessions and compulsions, childhood sexual trauma, childhood physical abuse, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, communication conflict, commitment, intimacy, sexual difficulties, insecurity, trust, infidelity and social phobia.
(415) 858-6152 View (415) 858-6152
Photo of Katy Lonergan, Psychologist in 94118, CA
Katy Lonergan
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
You may feel as if you are a passive participant in your life longing to be more active and connected while feeling so incredibly stuck. If you find yourself here, perhaps you or your child has been struggling to enjoy things that he or she usually enjoys (having friends over, heading outdoors, reading/watching tv). Their mind might be filled with worries of what others think and they did something wrong and are having difficulties shaking off an interaction. You or your child are wanting to feel more at ease in your relationships while finding yourself in familiar unhelpful patterns.
You may feel as if you are a passive participant in your life longing to be more active and connected while feeling so incredibly stuck. If you find yourself here, perhaps you or your child has been struggling to enjoy things that he or she usually enjoys (having friends over, heading outdoors, reading/watching tv). Their mind might be filled with worries of what others think and they did something wrong and are having difficulties shaking off an interaction. You or your child are wanting to feel more at ease in your relationships while finding yourself in familiar unhelpful patterns.
(628) 222-4281 View (628) 222-4281
Photo of Lisa Rosequist, Psychologist in 94118, CA
Lisa Rosequist
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
My services provide a safe space to explore and empower yourself and learn to overcome obstacles getting in the way of living your most fulfilling life. Clients come to me for treatment of a wide range of symptoms and disorders, including stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, performance psychology, concussion recovery, and executive coaching. Whether you are seeking targeted coaching on work performance or exploration of your past and current life circumstances, I offer a compassionate but focused approach to increasing fulfillment and success.
My services provide a safe space to explore and empower yourself and learn to overcome obstacles getting in the way of living your most fulfilling life. Clients come to me for treatment of a wide range of symptoms and disorders, including stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, performance psychology, concussion recovery, and executive coaching. Whether you are seeking targeted coaching on work performance or exploration of your past and current life circumstances, I offer a compassionate but focused approach to increasing fulfillment and success.
(650) 275-5474 View (650) 275-5474
Photo of Selena Mitchell, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 94118, CA
Selena Mitchell
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
We are each complex beings made up of many integral parts. My focus is to help you find wellness and strive towards inner peace and wholeness in the way that works best for you. Integrative Psychotherapy is a holistic treatment approach that combines elements from different schools of psychotherapy to address your specific needs and help you find internal harmony and a greater sense of wellbeing. As we get to know each other and what might work best for you, it can be tailored to best fit your needs, personality, and goals for your life.
We are each complex beings made up of many integral parts. My focus is to help you find wellness and strive towards inner peace and wholeness in the way that works best for you. Integrative Psychotherapy is a holistic treatment approach that combines elements from different schools of psychotherapy to address your specific needs and help you find internal harmony and a greater sense of wellbeing. As we get to know each other and what might work best for you, it can be tailored to best fit your needs, personality, and goals for your life.
(707) 244-6616 View (707) 244-6616
Photo of Bert Faerstein, Psychologist in 94118, CA
Bert Faerstein
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
I treat adults as well as adolescents and children, most frequently through individual therapy. I also work with couples. I work with people with a wide range of problems and especially enjoy working with people experiencing anxiety in relationships or at work . I also enjoy working with people who are unhappy and don't know why, and people who are repeating self-defeating patterns they feel unable to change. Meeting with a well-trained and experienced therapist can be a powerful and effective way of strengthening one's confidence and developing a personal sense of control over one's life.
I treat adults as well as adolescents and children, most frequently through individual therapy. I also work with couples. I work with people with a wide range of problems and especially enjoy working with people experiencing anxiety in relationships or at work . I also enjoy working with people who are unhappy and don't know why, and people who are repeating self-defeating patterns they feel unable to change. Meeting with a well-trained and experienced therapist can be a powerful and effective way of strengthening one's confidence and developing a personal sense of control over one's life.
(415) 787-4616 View (415) 787-4616

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.