Photo of Jessica G. Schairer, Psychologist in Los Angeles, CA
Jessica G. Schairer
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90024
It's never too late to start having a better life. My goal is to give you all the tools you need to overcome anxiety, depression and fear and to maintain your psychological balance mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. You will go home with personalized audio programs and homework assignments tailored to solving your specific problems. I use cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, and creative problem solving to deal with anxiety disorders and depression. I also help people with difficult life transitions including divorce, job loss, career change or illness, including chronic pain, cancer and irritable bowel disease.
It's never too late to start having a better life. My goal is to give you all the tools you need to overcome anxiety, depression and fear and to maintain your psychological balance mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. You will go home with personalized audio programs and homework assignments tailored to solving your specific problems. I use cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, and creative problem solving to deal with anxiety disorders and depression. I also help people with difficult life transitions including divorce, job loss, career change or illness, including chronic pain, cancer and irritable bowel disease.
(310) 341-0401 View (310) 341-0401
Photo of Dr. Doug Polster, Psychologist in Los Angeles, CA
Dr. Doug Polster
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90034
I specialize in treatment of anxiety, with a focus on high performers (athletes, executives, entrepreneurs) as well as individuals with chronic pain (e.
My clients come to me for practical, tangible guidance and support on how to overcome the challenges they face. I use an evidenced based approach, combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, that helps clients regain control of their lives, reduce unhelpful racing thoughts, and develop resiliency and confidence. Unlike traditional "talk therapy," where much your time is spent discussing vague concepts, my approach is to create realistic, attainable solutions and help you identify the roadmap to achieve them. About half of my practice involves working with teens/young adults and half with adults.
I specialize in treatment of anxiety, with a focus on high performers (athletes, executives, entrepreneurs) as well as individuals with chronic pain (e.
My clients come to me for practical, tangible guidance and support on how to overcome the challenges they face. I use an evidenced based approach, combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, that helps clients regain control of their lives, reduce unhelpful racing thoughts, and develop resiliency and confidence. Unlike traditional "talk therapy," where much your time is spent discussing vague concepts, my approach is to create realistic, attainable solutions and help you identify the roadmap to achieve them. About half of my practice involves working with teens/young adults and half with adults.
(424) 384-1533 View (424) 384-1533
Photo of Emily Picone, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Emily Picone
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90026  (Online Only)
I work with issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, and women's health issues such as Endometriosis and infertility.
Do you find that living with anxiety, depression, chronic discomfort, or pain keeps you from truly living life? Do you find yourself saying “Is this it, is this really my life? How depressing.” Life can often feel restricting and small when we live within the confines of our individual struggles. My goal is to facilitate a path to self-empowerment and be the support that you may be lacking in your life. By empowering my clients, we'll explore, unlock, and address the root of the obstacles that obscure the path to your true potential.
I work with issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, and women's health issues such as Endometriosis and infertility.
Do you find that living with anxiety, depression, chronic discomfort, or pain keeps you from truly living life? Do you find yourself saying “Is this it, is this really my life? How depressing.” Life can often feel restricting and small when we live within the confines of our individual struggles. My goal is to facilitate a path to self-empowerment and be the support that you may be lacking in your life. By empowering my clients, we'll explore, unlock, and address the root of the obstacles that obscure the path to your true potential.
(323) 894-1860 View (323) 894-1860
Photo of Alyce Botwinick, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Alyce Botwinick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025  (Online Only)
Do you feel stuck in one or more aspects of your life? Perhaps you would like to feel more connection in your relationships and at work. Sometimes things may feel so overwhelming, we lose our direction, feel anxious, experience emotional and physical pain, and don't sleep well. It's easy to get caught up in the way we tell our story, shaping habits and patterns around the roles we play.
Do you feel stuck in one or more aspects of your life? Perhaps you would like to feel more connection in your relationships and at work. Sometimes things may feel so overwhelming, we lose our direction, feel anxious, experience emotional and physical pain, and don't sleep well. It's easy to get caught up in the way we tell our story, shaping habits and patterns around the roles we play.
(424) 331-1738 View (424) 331-1738
Photo of Jodie M. NewDelman, Psychologist in Los Angeles, CA
Jodie M. NewDelman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90077
Who you are is MUCH more than struggle and pain.
Dr. NewDelman's practice, Essensuate Psychology Group, APC includes solution-focused psychotherapists. Each provider brings their own sensibility but all engage clients who are ready to face the burden 'stuckness,' deepen their awareness, transform their mindset, and change their lives. The practice is dedicated to integrated care and each client's unique context. We offer a safe, confidential, and trusted alliance where our clients can process painful personal issues, difficult experiences, challenging memories, and persistent conflict. We also explore the reality of our clients' true inner resources to provoke meaningful shifts
Who you are is MUCH more than struggle and pain.
Dr. NewDelman's practice, Essensuate Psychology Group, APC includes solution-focused psychotherapists. Each provider brings their own sensibility but all engage clients who are ready to face the burden 'stuckness,' deepen their awareness, transform their mindset, and change their lives. The practice is dedicated to integrated care and each client's unique context. We offer a safe, confidential, and trusted alliance where our clients can process painful personal issues, difficult experiences, challenging memories, and persistent conflict. We also explore the reality of our clients' true inner resources to provoke meaningful shifts
(628) 209-6714 View (628) 209-6714
Photo of David E Bresler, Psychologist in Los Angeles, CA
David E Bresler
Psychologist, PhD, LAC, DiplAc, NCCAOM, AAPM
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025  (Online Only)
My practice focuses on helping individuals, couples, and families who are suffering from emotional or physical pain or the aftereffects of trauma. We help them resolve the traumatic experience, as well as its consequences (e.g. physical pain, stress, disability, depression, anxiety, insomnia, medication dependence, isolation, etc.) Although many of our patients have not responded well to prior therapies, we've had outstanding success in helping them move from feeling a severe loss to finding a new and positive beginning. We love to work with people who are ready to change and eager to learn how to do it.
My practice focuses on helping individuals, couples, and families who are suffering from emotional or physical pain or the aftereffects of trauma. We help them resolve the traumatic experience, as well as its consequences (e.g. physical pain, stress, disability, depression, anxiety, insomnia, medication dependence, isolation, etc.) Although many of our patients have not responded well to prior therapies, we've had outstanding success in helping them move from feeling a severe loss to finding a new and positive beginning. We love to work with people who are ready to change and eager to learn how to do it.
(562) 250-5763 View (562) 250-5763
Photo of Jessica Dawn Russell in Los Angeles, CA
Jessica Dawn Russell
CHT, CCht, NBC-HWC, BA psy, Coach, Health, CBIT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Living and watching emotional pain turn to mental or physical change is also scary.
I am the founder of both The Hypnotherapy Centers and The HTC Therapy Group. My clients are primarily adults and seniors, yet I work with teens. I have very comfortable and safe offices in Encino, Beverly Hills, & West Los Angeles. I also work remote. I have strong experience working with anxiety, depression, complex circumstances &mental health disorders, including medical, pain and health issues involving nervous, autoimmune, and specific uncommon illness management, addiction, &smoking. I offer strong interactive rapport. My client base involves professionals, entertainment & sports as well as clients in need of creative hours.
Living and watching emotional pain turn to mental or physical change is also scary.
I am the founder of both The Hypnotherapy Centers and The HTC Therapy Group. My clients are primarily adults and seniors, yet I work with teens. I have very comfortable and safe offices in Encino, Beverly Hills, & West Los Angeles. I also work remote. I have strong experience working with anxiety, depression, complex circumstances &mental health disorders, including medical, pain and health issues involving nervous, autoimmune, and specific uncommon illness management, addiction, &smoking. I offer strong interactive rapport. My client base involves professionals, entertainment & sports as well as clients in need of creative hours.
(424) 364-2061 View (424) 364-2061
Photo of Kimberly Gibson, Counselor in Los Angeles, CA
Kimberly Gibson
Counselor, LPCC, ATR
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90066
My specialities include: anxiety, mood disorders, thought disorders, ADHD, maternal mental health, chronic pain & illnesses.
Currently have daytime availability- Are you tired and stressed out from just how hard this past year has been? Do you find yourself getting hooked by negative thoughts? Or caught in an unhelpful pattern? Through a kind, creative and collaborative process, we can work together to challenge negative thoughts, make space for all feelings and identify behaviors or patterns that are keeping you stuck. We can work together to make positive changes. I enjoy working with middle schoolers, teens and adults and have over 20 years of clinical experience. I would be happy to help you or your loved one meet their goals.
My specialities include: anxiety, mood disorders, thought disorders, ADHD, maternal mental health, chronic pain & illnesses.
Currently have daytime availability- Are you tired and stressed out from just how hard this past year has been? Do you find yourself getting hooked by negative thoughts? Or caught in an unhelpful pattern? Through a kind, creative and collaborative process, we can work together to challenge negative thoughts, make space for all feelings and identify behaviors or patterns that are keeping you stuck. We can work together to make positive changes. I enjoy working with middle schoolers, teens and adults and have over 20 years of clinical experience. I would be happy to help you or your loved one meet their goals.
(424) 296-4927 View (424) 296-4927
Photo of Christa Scholtz, Psychologist in Los Angeles, CA
Christa Scholtz
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Sometimes life is too difficult to navigate on your own. Psychotherapy is one of the most powerful tools to bring healing and transformation to your life, and choosing to pursue it is brave. You might be seeking therapy to decrease anxiety or depression, heal from a trauma, improve your relationships, rid yourself of chronic pain, or navigate school with ADHD or a learning disability. You also might be seeking therapy on behalf of your child or your family. Regardless of what leads you to therapy, I understand the importance of finding a therapist that is the right fit.
Sometimes life is too difficult to navigate on your own. Psychotherapy is one of the most powerful tools to bring healing and transformation to your life, and choosing to pursue it is brave. You might be seeking therapy to decrease anxiety or depression, heal from a trauma, improve your relationships, rid yourself of chronic pain, or navigate school with ADHD or a learning disability. You also might be seeking therapy on behalf of your child or your family. Regardless of what leads you to therapy, I understand the importance of finding a therapist that is the right fit.
(424) 226-5594 View (424) 226-5594
Photo of Ann Gottuso, Psychologist in Los Angeles, CA
Ann Gottuso
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP-CN
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Life can bring about many obstacles - whether stressors or a medical condition - and a therapist can facilitate change or healing. Through psychotherapy, we can journey towards growth and peace, to improve your adjustment to an illness or stressor, anxiety, depression, trauma, or a spiritual crisis. If you have cognitive difficulties, we can develop cognitive rehabilitation and executive skills to strengthen your mental abilities to engage in home and work. At times, neurological injury brings behavioral changes. We can jointly develop a behavioral plan to manage behaviors to improve relationships and ensure safety.
Life can bring about many obstacles - whether stressors or a medical condition - and a therapist can facilitate change or healing. Through psychotherapy, we can journey towards growth and peace, to improve your adjustment to an illness or stressor, anxiety, depression, trauma, or a spiritual crisis. If you have cognitive difficulties, we can develop cognitive rehabilitation and executive skills to strengthen your mental abilities to engage in home and work. At times, neurological injury brings behavioral changes. We can jointly develop a behavioral plan to manage behaviors to improve relationships and ensure safety.
(424) 231-6224 View (424) 231-6224
Photo of Fii Sperling, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Los Angeles, CA
Fii Sperling
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90029
Together we can create a healing space that is fit to your needs, whether that is exploring your identities or coping with dysphoria, chronic illness and pain, practicing new relationship patterns, or processing the weight of oppressive systems.
As a queer, trans, chronically ill therapist, my approach to therapy centers you as the expert in the room. I believe the wisdom in your lived experience will help us collaboratively create a healing space that supports you. Most of the people I work with inhabit identities resistant to social norms primarily adolescents and adults who are transgender, non-binary, polyamorous, and or neurodivergent. I also provide support to caregivers and family members of transgender youth and other LGBTQIA+ folks.
Together we can create a healing space that is fit to your needs, whether that is exploring your identities or coping with dysphoria, chronic illness and pain, practicing new relationship patterns, or processing the weight of oppressive systems.
As a queer, trans, chronically ill therapist, my approach to therapy centers you as the expert in the room. I believe the wisdom in your lived experience will help us collaboratively create a healing space that supports you. Most of the people I work with inhabit identities resistant to social norms primarily adolescents and adults who are transgender, non-binary, polyamorous, and or neurodivergent. I also provide support to caregivers and family members of transgender youth and other LGBTQIA+ folks.
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Photo of Steven Bradshaw, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Steven Bradshaw
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, SEP, CGP, MA
Verified Verified
18 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
I work with high-potential, creative and sensitive beings, who may feel stuck and burned out. I've discovered personally how somatic therapy revitalizes the organism and resolves psychological and health issues at the source. In particular it can shift anxiety, chronic pain, depression, loneliness, and imposter syndrome. It works to restore the nervous system to a state of healthy regulation, energy, flow and feeling at home in your body. This provides a foundation of authentic self-esteem that becomes the basis for a meaningful career and a network of healthy relationships—a life that feels great on the inside.
I work with high-potential, creative and sensitive beings, who may feel stuck and burned out. I've discovered personally how somatic therapy revitalizes the organism and resolves psychological and health issues at the source. In particular it can shift anxiety, chronic pain, depression, loneliness, and imposter syndrome. It works to restore the nervous system to a state of healthy regulation, energy, flow and feeling at home in your body. This provides a foundation of authentic self-esteem that becomes the basis for a meaningful career and a network of healthy relationships—a life that feels great on the inside.
(424) 378-5336 View (424) 378-5336
Photo of Rob Goldblatt, Psychologist in Los Angeles, CA
Rob Goldblatt
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Dr. Rob Goldblatt has practiced in clinical psychology for over twenty years specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Treatment, Couples, Parenting, Stress, Panic, Anxiety, Fears of flying, elevators, Psychological Issues related to Illness and Injury, Tinnitus, Sexual and Desire Problems. His approach is characterized by his clear straightforward answers and distillation of complex issues, caring and warmth, informality, directness, pragmatism, and infectious humor. He has deep and broad experience with in treatment of people of all ages and is as great with small children as he is with people in the mid-life and people exploring the last third of their lives.
Dr. Rob Goldblatt has practiced in clinical psychology for over twenty years specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Treatment, Couples, Parenting, Stress, Panic, Anxiety, Fears of flying, elevators, Psychological Issues related to Illness and Injury, Tinnitus, Sexual and Desire Problems. His approach is characterized by his clear straightforward answers and distillation of complex issues, caring and warmth, informality, directness, pragmatism, and infectious humor. He has deep and broad experience with in treatment of people of all ages and is as great with small children as he is with people in the mid-life and people exploring the last third of their lives.
(310) 945-2761 View (310) 945-2761
Photo of Laurie Markham, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Laurie Markham
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90004
I have a well-ventilated, large office space located above Le Pain Quotidien in Larchmont Village.
All too often struggles deplete our energy and leave us feeling down on ourselves. Through rigorous conversation and a highly supportive relationship, I help people gain the clarity and confidence needed to produce desired change. I have extensive training in postmodern therapies, which examine how dominant cultural discourses can have oppressive effects on our lives, identities, and relationships. Prior to working in private practice, I was part of UCLA's network, where I brought social justice aims to integrative models of mental health. I have many years of experience working with couples, families, youth, and adults.
I have a well-ventilated, large office space located above Le Pain Quotidien in Larchmont Village.
All too often struggles deplete our energy and leave us feeling down on ourselves. Through rigorous conversation and a highly supportive relationship, I help people gain the clarity and confidence needed to produce desired change. I have extensive training in postmodern therapies, which examine how dominant cultural discourses can have oppressive effects on our lives, identities, and relationships. Prior to working in private practice, I was part of UCLA's network, where I brought social justice aims to integrative models of mental health. I have many years of experience working with couples, families, youth, and adults.
(323) 302-5547 View (323) 302-5547
Photo of Lori Baudino, Psychologist in Los Angeles, CA
Lori Baudino
Psychologist, PsyD, BC-DMT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Please check out my website:drloribaudino.com. I focus on therapeutic support for children & parents. Utilizing a body centered movement approach that is playful, engaging and beneficial. I specialize with children from behavioral, attachment, learning challenges and developmental needs to those with severe medical and physical illness. I support parents on this journey to best communicate, support and find joy in their child/family! I fit approaches to your family needs and preferences. I believe that children are capable and competent and with this support they reach their potential!
Please check out my website:drloribaudino.com. I focus on therapeutic support for children & parents. Utilizing a body centered movement approach that is playful, engaging and beneficial. I specialize with children from behavioral, attachment, learning challenges and developmental needs to those with severe medical and physical illness. I support parents on this journey to best communicate, support and find joy in their child/family! I fit approaches to your family needs and preferences. I believe that children are capable and competent and with this support they reach their potential!
(310) 879-5028 View (310) 879-5028
Photo of Sam Hopper, Psychologist in Los Angeles, CA
Sam Hopper
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025
My ideal client is aware that some primary positive feeling has changed. The positive feeling has suddenly, or over time, become negative and painful. Because of this change, he or she may have reluctantly given up on a long term goal, or may be in the midsts of a divorce where there was once loving contentment that has disappeared. Sometimes the pain is so severe that the Client considers ending his or her life. No matter what the circumstance, this Client is longing for relief from the pain. The Client needs a Therapist who can, incrementally over time, help to alleviate the pain and begin a more positive approach to living life.
My ideal client is aware that some primary positive feeling has changed. The positive feeling has suddenly, or over time, become negative and painful. Because of this change, he or she may have reluctantly given up on a long term goal, or may be in the midsts of a divorce where there was once loving contentment that has disappeared. Sometimes the pain is so severe that the Client considers ending his or her life. No matter what the circumstance, this Client is longing for relief from the pain. The Client needs a Therapist who can, incrementally over time, help to alleviate the pain and begin a more positive approach to living life.
(424) 252-3280 View (424) 252-3280
Photo of Steven C Kassel, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Steven C Kassel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, BCB, BCN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Children, adults and families with a variety of issues are welcomed. I specialize in psychotherapy, biofeedback, neurofeedback, trauma, A.D.D., pain and stress management, anxiety, depression and relationship issues. With a bio-psycho-social perspective I help clients self-regulate relationships and mind-body. I work with marital and relationship issues such as: *Divorce, separation and infidelity *Intimacy and communication *Sexual issues *Destructive and sabotaging patterns *Depression *Anxiety *Fears and phobias *Trauma resolution *Self esteem and self concept *Loss and grief *PTSD *Assertiveness & social skills training *Pain Management * A.D.D. and other problems of brainwave disregulation
Children, adults and families with a variety of issues are welcomed. I specialize in psychotherapy, biofeedback, neurofeedback, trauma, A.D.D., pain and stress management, anxiety, depression and relationship issues. With a bio-psycho-social perspective I help clients self-regulate relationships and mind-body. I work with marital and relationship issues such as: *Divorce, separation and infidelity *Intimacy and communication *Sexual issues *Destructive and sabotaging patterns *Depression *Anxiety *Fears and phobias *Trauma resolution *Self esteem and self concept *Loss and grief *PTSD *Assertiveness & social skills training *Pain Management * A.D.D. and other problems of brainwave disregulation
(323) 935-1034 View (323) 935-1034
Photo of Sarit Ofir, Psychologist in Los Angeles, CA
Sarit Ofir
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90001
My goal is to heal and restore emotional balance in individuals, families and couples who experience stress, anxiety or depression in their lives. The journey to personal change starts when we explore your emotional pain and unresolved issues in a safe and empathic environment. With our collaborative work, you will learn how to restore positive energy, live in the present moment, create loving relationships, reduce stress and have a meaningful and joyful life. Based on my studies in clinical psychology and holistic medicine, I integrate different aspects of treatment to create a path to your well-being.
My goal is to heal and restore emotional balance in individuals, families and couples who experience stress, anxiety or depression in their lives. The journey to personal change starts when we explore your emotional pain and unresolved issues in a safe and empathic environment. With our collaborative work, you will learn how to restore positive energy, live in the present moment, create loving relationships, reduce stress and have a meaningful and joyful life. Based on my studies in clinical psychology and holistic medicine, I integrate different aspects of treatment to create a path to your well-being.
(818) 322-4741 View (818) 322-4741
Photo of Deborah E. Anderson PHD RYT, Psychologist in Los Angeles, CA
Deborah E. Anderson PHD RYT
Psychologist, PhD, RYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
As a Health Psychologist, I love to help individuals develop healthy living strategies in the first place, as well as to learn how to better cope with chronic illness issues.
In my therapy practice (adults only) I work with individuals and couples to help build their life "tool-kits". I draw upon my diverse training as a Health Psychologist, Neuropsychologist and Yoga Teacher and incorporate both Western and Eastern philosophies and tools (cognitive-behavioral therapies, neuroscience, attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology. mindfulness/meditation, and other mind-body techniques such as relaxation training, hypnosis, visualization, etc.,) to treat a variety of symptoms and disorders. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, and human behavior in general, so that you can apply these tools to all aspects of life.
As a Health Psychologist, I love to help individuals develop healthy living strategies in the first place, as well as to learn how to better cope with chronic illness issues.
In my therapy practice (adults only) I work with individuals and couples to help build their life "tool-kits". I draw upon my diverse training as a Health Psychologist, Neuropsychologist and Yoga Teacher and incorporate both Western and Eastern philosophies and tools (cognitive-behavioral therapies, neuroscience, attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology. mindfulness/meditation, and other mind-body techniques such as relaxation training, hypnosis, visualization, etc.,) to treat a variety of symptoms and disorders. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, and human behavior in general, so that you can apply these tools to all aspects of life.
(818) 962-2802 View (818) 962-2802
Photo of Stacey G. Starre, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Stacey G. Starre
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90064
When "talk therapy" isn't enough... I specialize in using a calming, holistic technique, Somatic Experiencing and Touch therapy to treat Anxiety, Stress, Trauma and Pain Management. Although I use regular "talk therapy," I specialize in these techniques because it works. There is lasting change. It regulates your nervous system and increases overall resilience. You will learn to trust your body's innate wisdom and capacity to heal and Feel Calmer.
When "talk therapy" isn't enough... I specialize in using a calming, holistic technique, Somatic Experiencing and Touch therapy to treat Anxiety, Stress, Trauma and Pain Management. Although I use regular "talk therapy," I specialize in these techniques because it works. There is lasting change. It regulates your nervous system and increases overall resilience. You will learn to trust your body's innate wisdom and capacity to heal and Feel Calmer.
(310) 779-9016 View (310) 779-9016

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.