Chronic Pain Therapists in Los Angeles, CA
Brandon Gescheidle
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90064 (Online Only)
I identify as a gay, cisgender man and enjoy working with the chronic pain and queer communities.
I do this work because I genuinely love it. I am very honest and direct with clients and encourage openness from each of us. Therapy is an opportunity to slow down, get reacquainted with ourselves, and engage in vulnerability and playfulness that is too often not accessed. I offer a supportive, completely non-judgmental space where everything and anything is on the table (trust me, as therapists, we’ve heard it all). Trust and comfortability take time, and I respect clients’ pace and readiness to travel in difficult directions. I also promise to (compassionately) hold you accountable to promote growth and healing.
I identify as a gay, cisgender man and enjoy working with the chronic pain and queer communities.
I do this work because I genuinely love it. I am very honest and direct with clients and encourage openness from each of us. Therapy is an opportunity to slow down, get reacquainted with ourselves, and engage in vulnerability and playfulness that is too often not accessed. I offer a supportive, completely non-judgmental space where everything and anything is on the table (trust me, as therapists, we’ve heard it all). Trust and comfortability take time, and I respect clients’ pace and readiness to travel in difficult directions. I also promise to (compassionately) hold you accountable to promote growth and healing.
Hannah Khoddam
Psychologist, PhD, MA, MSc
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
I specialize in treating individuals with physical health difficulties, such as chronic pain, illness, or insomnia that may contribute to one’s emotional well-being.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families who may be struggling with difficulties related to the intersection between physical and mental health. I specialize in evidence-based treatment and have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and mindfulness-based approaches. I see therapy as a way to utilize these evidence-based treatments to explore whatever may be keeping you stuck in the habits, patterns, or situations that may no longer be serving you and learning skills to help you overcome these circumstances.
I specialize in treating individuals with physical health difficulties, such as chronic pain, illness, or insomnia that may contribute to one’s emotional well-being.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families who may be struggling with difficulties related to the intersection between physical and mental health. I specialize in evidence-based treatment and have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and mindfulness-based approaches. I see therapy as a way to utilize these evidence-based treatments to explore whatever may be keeping you stuck in the habits, patterns, or situations that may no longer be serving you and learning skills to help you overcome these circumstances.
Dr. Sarah DeMarco
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025 (Online Only)
Chronic pain/chronic illness/autoimmune: No matter where you are in your wellness journey, we address your symptoms from a mind-body approach to help manage and reduce the frequency and/or intensity of your symptoms.
Dr. Sarah DeMarco is a Licensed Psychologist: NJ, NY, CA (pending). Therapy: Using a holistic approach, we will work collaboratively to help you manage burnout, reduce fear and anxiety, perfectionism, or navigating life transitions. Empowerment, self-compassion, and mindfulness will be a foundational aspect of our work. Creating strong and healthy habits and means of coping can be highly supportive for a variety of difficult life experiences and changes. Note: I am seeing therapy clients online only until May (then in-person is available in LA). Assessments in-person in NJ only and CA remotely until May.
Chronic pain/chronic illness/autoimmune: No matter where you are in your wellness journey, we address your symptoms from a mind-body approach to help manage and reduce the frequency and/or intensity of your symptoms.
Dr. Sarah DeMarco is a Licensed Psychologist: NJ, NY, CA (pending). Therapy: Using a holistic approach, we will work collaboratively to help you manage burnout, reduce fear and anxiety, perfectionism, or navigating life transitions. Empowerment, self-compassion, and mindfulness will be a foundational aspect of our work. Creating strong and healthy habits and means of coping can be highly supportive for a variety of difficult life experiences and changes. Note: I am seeing therapy clients online only until May (then in-person is available in LA). Assessments in-person in NJ only and CA remotely until May.
Dr. Mike Pugh
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Do you have a medical diagnosis impacting your quality of life or relationships? Do you ever struggle with feeling invalidated or stigmatized as a result of your experiences in the healthcare system? I am a rehabilitation psychologist specializing in treating individuals with neurological and health conditions, including, but not limited to chronic pain, brain injuries, dizziness, movement disorders, functional conditions, and chronic neurological illness.
Do you have a medical diagnosis impacting your quality of life or relationships? Do you ever struggle with feeling invalidated or stigmatized as a result of your experiences in the healthcare system? I am a rehabilitation psychologist specializing in treating individuals with neurological and health conditions, including, but not limited to chronic pain, brain injuries, dizziness, movement disorders, functional conditions, and chronic neurological illness.
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.
Jane Parrott
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90032
I work with depression, trauma, PTSD, chronic illness and pain, codependency/ people pleasing, relationships, youth, grief, major life transitions, new endeavors, gender & sexuality exploration, emotional/behavioral patterns, and end of life processing.
Welcome. You have started an important search. Finding the right therapist isn’t always easy, and I encourage you to listen to what feels right for you. My work starts with you and what you are looking to address. We will explore the contributing factors to what you want to work on and develop a deeper understanding of your psychological reality. First and foremost, I offer a safe and non-judgmental container for exploration. Nothing is too small or big for this work. My goal is to help you gain insights into your relational and habitual patterns in service of having more agency in your life and being able to feel free to be you.
I work with depression, trauma, PTSD, chronic illness and pain, codependency/ people pleasing, relationships, youth, grief, major life transitions, new endeavors, gender & sexuality exploration, emotional/behavioral patterns, and end of life processing.
Welcome. You have started an important search. Finding the right therapist isn’t always easy, and I encourage you to listen to what feels right for you. My work starts with you and what you are looking to address. We will explore the contributing factors to what you want to work on and develop a deeper understanding of your psychological reality. First and foremost, I offer a safe and non-judgmental container for exploration. Nothing is too small or big for this work. My goal is to help you gain insights into your relational and habitual patterns in service of having more agency in your life and being able to feel free to be you.
Christine Archer | Pain Reprocessing Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LPCC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025 (Online Only)
I help high-achieving, do-it-all women overcome chronic pain, anxiety and burnout to live a more joyful and restful life. Often, our bodies give us cues that it’s time to slow down while our minds push us to keep going. We have learned that expectations, responsibilities and productivity take priority over our own care and needs. Maybe you have tried to power through your body’s cues over and over again only to feel stuck, exhausted, and unsure of how to find relief. Our work together will empower you to come back to yourself, to tend to your body and nervous system and to feel more present, connected and at ease.
I help high-achieving, do-it-all women overcome chronic pain, anxiety and burnout to live a more joyful and restful life. Often, our bodies give us cues that it’s time to slow down while our minds push us to keep going. We have learned that expectations, responsibilities and productivity take priority over our own care and needs. Maybe you have tried to power through your body’s cues over and over again only to feel stuck, exhausted, and unsure of how to find relief. Our work together will empower you to come back to yourself, to tend to your body and nervous system and to feel more present, connected and at ease.
Barbara Bachmeier
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90044
Hi, my name is Barbara Bachmeier-Levy and I am a seasoned licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience in the field of mental health across all levels of care. My areas of focus include anxiety, chronic pain, grief, stress, and life-coaching for individuals. My clients have more often than not been motivated to engage in self-discovery, and often have some specific ideas about what they want to change, accomplish, or process. They enjoy a two-way engagement and quickly learn that I am a person that they can trust to share their personal journey with.
Hi, my name is Barbara Bachmeier-Levy and I am a seasoned licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience in the field of mental health across all levels of care. My areas of focus include anxiety, chronic pain, grief, stress, and life-coaching for individuals. My clients have more often than not been motivated to engage in self-discovery, and often have some specific ideas about what they want to change, accomplish, or process. They enjoy a two-way engagement and quickly learn that I am a person that they can trust to share their personal journey with.
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.
Cory Goldstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90069 (Online Only)
Much of my practice with focuses on chronic pain/illness, using a combination of somatic processing and solution focused therapy.
The diagnosis of chronic pain or illness can create a world that is not only physically painful but often psychologically painful as well. I believe strongly in the Mind-body connection and hope that working together in a safe and non-judgmental pace we can ease some of the many anxieties, frustrations, sadness, and anger that often accompany such a diagnosis. Together we can discuss and process all of these emotions in the hopes of creating new coping skills and a new outlook on this 'new normal'.
Much of my practice with focuses on chronic pain/illness, using a combination of somatic processing and solution focused therapy.
The diagnosis of chronic pain or illness can create a world that is not only physically painful but often psychologically painful as well. I believe strongly in the Mind-body connection and hope that working together in a safe and non-judgmental pace we can ease some of the many anxieties, frustrations, sadness, and anger that often accompany such a diagnosis. Together we can discuss and process all of these emotions in the hopes of creating new coping skills and a new outlook on this 'new normal'.
Kendra Andersson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90037
Due to my own struggle and remission with Chronic Pain and Acquired Disability, I find it rewarding to work with other individuals with these struggles as well.
My name is Kendra, and I have a very informal approach to therapy. I enjoy laughing and commiserating with my clients and believe that they are best supported by a nonjudgmental therapist who truly cares about their well-being. I work from a strengths-based approach, and as a university professor, I love to connect science and research to help understand everyday issues. I hope to cultivate a space in which people can be their authentic selves and feel safe and supported as they do so.
Due to my own struggle and remission with Chronic Pain and Acquired Disability, I find it rewarding to work with other individuals with these struggles as well.
My name is Kendra, and I have a very informal approach to therapy. I enjoy laughing and commiserating with my clients and believe that they are best supported by a nonjudgmental therapist who truly cares about their well-being. I work from a strengths-based approach, and as a university professor, I love to connect science and research to help understand everyday issues. I hope to cultivate a space in which people can be their authentic selves and feel safe and supported as they do so.
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Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, ASW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Are you ready to step into a world where support goes beyond just physical or emotional pain, where every aspect of who you are is celebrated and embraced? Picture a nonjudgmental space where we talk about everything from navigating relationships to understanding yourself better. As a therapist who works with men, couples, and individuals of many ages and backgrounds, including clients with chronic pain, autism, ADHD, or neurodiversity, I'm here to be your guide on this incredible journey of self-discovery and growth. No matter who you are or what you're going through, I'm here to provide you with a warm welcome and a listening ear.
Are you ready to step into a world where support goes beyond just physical or emotional pain, where every aspect of who you are is celebrated and embraced? Picture a nonjudgmental space where we talk about everything from navigating relationships to understanding yourself better. As a therapist who works with men, couples, and individuals of many ages and backgrounds, including clients with chronic pain, autism, ADHD, or neurodiversity, I'm here to be your guide on this incredible journey of self-discovery and growth. No matter who you are or what you're going through, I'm here to provide you with a warm welcome and a listening ear.
Elaine Skoulas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
You've made it this far, but something is holding you back from the life you want to be living. You have learned a lot about yourself and relationships, yet you keep ending up stuck in the same patterns. Past trauma doesn’t have to continue to hurt your present life anymore. You might be someone who always puts others first, and now it's finally time to have a space just for you. You might be navigating a life with chronic pain, anxiety, or depression and need the support to get unstuck. Reaching out is a powerful first step to take care of yourself. I am committed to supporting you with warmth and kindness every step along the way.
You've made it this far, but something is holding you back from the life you want to be living. You have learned a lot about yourself and relationships, yet you keep ending up stuck in the same patterns. Past trauma doesn’t have to continue to hurt your present life anymore. You might be someone who always puts others first, and now it's finally time to have a space just for you. You might be navigating a life with chronic pain, anxiety, or depression and need the support to get unstuck. Reaching out is a powerful first step to take care of yourself. I am committed to supporting you with warmth and kindness every step along the way.
Katya Kosarenko
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025 (Online Only)
It takes a certain person to look for support, and I commend you on taking this first step. Life is challenging, and there are times when no matter how hard we try, things just don’t change. We often find ourselves spinning out of control feeling overwhelmed, scared, sad and tired… beyond tired, feeling alone, stuck and in pain, dealing with distressing thoughts, feelings and body symptoms. And the list goes on.
It takes a certain person to look for support, and I commend you on taking this first step. Life is challenging, and there are times when no matter how hard we try, things just don’t change. We often find ourselves spinning out of control feeling overwhelmed, scared, sad and tired… beyond tired, feeling alone, stuck and in pain, dealing with distressing thoughts, feelings and body symptoms. And the list goes on.
Sarah Brock Chavez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90039
I identify as a queer, femme, Chicana therapist. I provide Psychotherapy that is Intersectional and Trauma-informed treatment. Combining techniques of traditional Psychodynamic Therapy as well as Somatic Therapy together we investigate your past and what is happening currently in your body (physical pain, ailments, sensations) in relation to environmental triggers (systemic racism, queer & trans-phobia, sexism, micro-aggressions), as well as attachment styles that inform your core beliefs to get you to a place of a fully developed and embodied sense of self and well being.
I identify as a queer, femme, Chicana therapist. I provide Psychotherapy that is Intersectional and Trauma-informed treatment. Combining techniques of traditional Psychodynamic Therapy as well as Somatic Therapy together we investigate your past and what is happening currently in your body (physical pain, ailments, sensations) in relation to environmental triggers (systemic racism, queer & trans-phobia, sexism, micro-aggressions), as well as attachment styles that inform your core beliefs to get you to a place of a fully developed and embodied sense of self and well being.
Julie Markowitz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025 (Online Only)
I believe in all people’s innate capacity to heal. To me, all symptoms that we experience whether it be chronic pain, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, etc can be explained by trauma. Trauma does not have to be big events. Trauma can be if we are not attuned to emotionally as children or if our parents have their own unprocessed trauma—this sort of trauma often leads to deep seeded beliefs that we are unloveable and bad. Our healing comes from teaching our parts that we are loveable and accepted just as we are.
I believe in all people’s innate capacity to heal. To me, all symptoms that we experience whether it be chronic pain, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, etc can be explained by trauma. Trauma does not have to be big events. Trauma can be if we are not attuned to emotionally as children or if our parents have their own unprocessed trauma—this sort of trauma often leads to deep seeded beliefs that we are unloveable and bad. Our healing comes from teaching our parts that we are loveable and accepted just as we are.
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.
Kimberly Crickette
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Are you living with an invisible illness? Have you felt invalidated by your medical providers? Do you suffer from low energy, difficulty concentrating, or do you have an overall sense of poor health? Are you fed up with not being able to live life the way you would like? At re+active therapy and wellness, we understand the impact of living with invisible and/or chronic illnesses, and believe in the power of teamwork and a holistic approach to wellness.
Are you living with an invisible illness? Have you felt invalidated by your medical providers? Do you suffer from low energy, difficulty concentrating, or do you have an overall sense of poor health? Are you fed up with not being able to live life the way you would like? At re+active therapy and wellness, we understand the impact of living with invisible and/or chronic illnesses, and believe in the power of teamwork and a holistic approach to wellness.
Molly Garber Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90041
I combine Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), motivational interviewing, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), and Solution-Focused Therapy to target feelings of dread, abandonment, isolation, anxiety, chronic pain, and the many other symptoms that may come up for you on a daily basis.
“Regardless of how long ago something happened, and regardless of how long symptoms have been there, it doesn’t need to be permanent.” - Getting Past Your Past (Shapiro, 2012) Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, interpersonal issues or other daily symptoms that leave you feeling discontent, there is a solution. By utilizing a client-centered approach, I meet you where you are from session-to-session in order to provide an environment focused on comfort, trust, and understanding. I see healing as a sine wave, with ups-and-downs but always on an upward trajectory. Together we will walk through your healing.
I combine Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), motivational interviewing, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), and Solution-Focused Therapy to target feelings of dread, abandonment, isolation, anxiety, chronic pain, and the many other symptoms that may come up for you on a daily basis.
“Regardless of how long ago something happened, and regardless of how long symptoms have been there, it doesn’t need to be permanent.” - Getting Past Your Past (Shapiro, 2012) Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, interpersonal issues or other daily symptoms that leave you feeling discontent, there is a solution. By utilizing a client-centered approach, I meet you where you are from session-to-session in order to provide an environment focused on comfort, trust, and understanding. I see healing as a sine wave, with ups-and-downs but always on an upward trajectory. Together we will walk through your healing.
Cheryl Feldmann
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90024
I believe in your capacity to change and to fully live and enjoy your life. Relationship struggles, illness, addictions, and many other obstacles may be blocking your way to a fully actualized experience. For over 20 years I have helped people overcome their obstacles, come to a new understanding of their choices and relationships, and experience a new freedom. When given a nurturing environment, people flourish. I provide a therapy that is active, warm, and at the same time challenging enough to help you achieve your goals and reach an enjoyment of life that you didn't know was possible.
I believe in your capacity to change and to fully live and enjoy your life. Relationship struggles, illness, addictions, and many other obstacles may be blocking your way to a fully actualized experience. For over 20 years I have helped people overcome their obstacles, come to a new understanding of their choices and relationships, and experience a new freedom. When given a nurturing environment, people flourish. I provide a therapy that is active, warm, and at the same time challenging enough to help you achieve your goals and reach an enjoyment of life that you didn't know was possible.
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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.