Chronic Pain Therapists in San Diego, CA
Kelly Hutton Chronic Pain and Illness Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92102
Welcome! Do you have chronic pain, chronic fatigue, or chronic illness you are managing? Or, do you love someone or care for someone with these issues? If so, you are in the right place. I specialize in working with chronic pain, chronic illness, medical trauma, neurocognitive issues (memory). Living with pain/illness comes with enormous grief, and it can be incredibly lonely. You might find you are irritable, have trouble with sleeping, can't concentrate or focus or struggle with daily tasks that used to be easy. Your relationships might be suffering as you can't show up how you used to. I am here to support you.
Welcome! Do you have chronic pain, chronic fatigue, or chronic illness you are managing? Or, do you love someone or care for someone with these issues? If so, you are in the right place. I specialize in working with chronic pain, chronic illness, medical trauma, neurocognitive issues (memory). Living with pain/illness comes with enormous grief, and it can be incredibly lonely. You might find you are irritable, have trouble with sleeping, can't concentrate or focus or struggle with daily tasks that used to be easy. Your relationships might be suffering as you can't show up how you used to. I am here to support you.
Patricia C Kantzavelos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MLIS, MSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92116
As a chronic illness warrior/ spoonie, I completely understand what it feels like to sit on the other side of the couch (or, screen), and how important it is to chat with someone who 'gets it.
I specialize in chronic health conditions and trauma, which I understand first hand. Chronic medical conditions (i.e. dysautonomia POTS, EDS, Lyme disease, Bartonella, IBS, fibro, fatigue CFS, Hashimoto’s, mast cell MCAS, sickle cell disease, mold illness CIRS, etc.) often come with significant challenges, like fear, anxiety, grief, medical PTSD, and may interfere with relationships and daily function. I utilize various holistic evidence-based treatment modalities and practice-based evidence, contingent on each person’s needs and goals, with an added focus on mindfulness techniques, positive psychology, and strengths-based therapy.
As a chronic illness warrior/ spoonie, I completely understand what it feels like to sit on the other side of the couch (or, screen), and how important it is to chat with someone who 'gets it.
I specialize in chronic health conditions and trauma, which I understand first hand. Chronic medical conditions (i.e. dysautonomia POTS, EDS, Lyme disease, Bartonella, IBS, fibro, fatigue CFS, Hashimoto’s, mast cell MCAS, sickle cell disease, mold illness CIRS, etc.) often come with significant challenges, like fear, anxiety, grief, medical PTSD, and may interfere with relationships and daily function. I utilize various holistic evidence-based treatment modalities and practice-based evidence, contingent on each person’s needs and goals, with an added focus on mindfulness techniques, positive psychology, and strengths-based therapy.
Tracey L Chester
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MA
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92121
Waitlist for new clients
I am a licensed MFT, and he founder and clinical director of San Diego Pain and Trauma Institute. I primarily work with patients who suffer from chronic pain or chronic illness. Simply put, patients need extra attention their loved ones may be unable to provide.The mission of this clinic is to provide an integrated approach, with primary care doctors, and doctors from different specialties, trauma-informed care, from physical therapy techniques to the most up to date evidence based practices. I am amongst a small group of professionals studying the relationship between trauma, grief and chronic pain.
I am a licensed MFT, and he founder and clinical director of San Diego Pain and Trauma Institute. I primarily work with patients who suffer from chronic pain or chronic illness. Simply put, patients need extra attention their loved ones may be unable to provide.The mission of this clinic is to provide an integrated approach, with primary care doctors, and doctors from different specialties, trauma-informed care, from physical therapy techniques to the most up to date evidence based practices. I am amongst a small group of professionals studying the relationship between trauma, grief and chronic pain.
V. John Nguyen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92121 (Online Only)
While I specialize in the treatment of chronic pain, I also treat a wide range of concerns including anxiety disorders, depression, and life transitions.
Life can be chaotic and confusing sometimes. While we are all equipped to cope with stress in various ways, chronic stress can become overwhelming. If you're experiencing anxiety, depression, anger management issues, or chronic pain, seeing a therapist may help alleviate symptoms. Therapy can help regain access to your problem-solving abilities through stress reduction while teaching you new methods of coping - strengthening your repertoire of coping skills.
While I specialize in the treatment of chronic pain, I also treat a wide range of concerns including anxiety disorders, depression, and life transitions.
Life can be chaotic and confusing sometimes. While we are all equipped to cope with stress in various ways, chronic stress can become overwhelming. If you're experiencing anxiety, depression, anger management issues, or chronic pain, seeing a therapist may help alleviate symptoms. Therapy can help regain access to your problem-solving abilities through stress reduction while teaching you new methods of coping - strengthening your repertoire of coping skills.
Timothy Lynch
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92106 (Online Only)
I am a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Specifically, I have expertise in Alpha-Stim treatment for chronic pain, and assessment of military/deployment related PTSD. I am a trauma trained psychotherapist in EMDR, CPT and Prolonged Exposure. I am also a combat experienced Veteran.
I am a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Specifically, I have expertise in Alpha-Stim treatment for chronic pain, and assessment of military/deployment related PTSD. I am a trauma trained psychotherapist in EMDR, CPT and Prolonged Exposure. I am also a combat experienced Veteran.
Kelly Hutton, Grief Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92102
Welcome! I imagine you have found my profile because you are going through grief, illness or tragedy. I am glad you are here taking the first steps towards support. I specialize in working with grief, loss, end of life issues and chronic illness. Grief therapy can look many different ways, and I tailor the experience of therapy to my clients unique needs. My top priority is that you feel safe in therapy and have space to feel and express your grief openly. I use many modalities to assist my clients in working through grief, including EMDR therapy (eye movement therapy) which is an evidence based treatment for trauma and grief.
Welcome! I imagine you have found my profile because you are going through grief, illness or tragedy. I am glad you are here taking the first steps towards support. I specialize in working with grief, loss, end of life issues and chronic illness. Grief therapy can look many different ways, and I tailor the experience of therapy to my clients unique needs. My top priority is that you feel safe in therapy and have space to feel and express your grief openly. I use many modalities to assist my clients in working through grief, including EMDR therapy (eye movement therapy) which is an evidence based treatment for trauma and grief.
Angelyna Lowe
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108 (Online Only)
For specific disorders, I may use other validated treatments, such as ACT or CBT-Chronic Pain, CBT-Insomnia or CPT for PTSD.
Life has a way of handing us what feels like more than we can bear at times, and we can find ourselves stuck when our resources are thin and our tools seem inadequate. This is where I thrive – helping my clients get in touch with their strengths, build confidence and skills to get the life they want, all while exploring where they learned the unhelpful patterns to begin with. My goal is to help my clients learn to be defined not by their current or past circumstances, thoughts or feelings, but by the choices they commit to. My clients report they know themselves better and are more confident in their ability to handle stressors.
For specific disorders, I may use other validated treatments, such as ACT or CBT-Chronic Pain, CBT-Insomnia or CPT for PTSD.
Life has a way of handing us what feels like more than we can bear at times, and we can find ourselves stuck when our resources are thin and our tools seem inadequate. This is where I thrive – helping my clients get in touch with their strengths, build confidence and skills to get the life they want, all while exploring where they learned the unhelpful patterns to begin with. My goal is to help my clients learn to be defined not by their current or past circumstances, thoughts or feelings, but by the choices they commit to. My clients report they know themselves better and are more confident in their ability to handle stressors.
Autumn Phillips
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
As Founder and Clinical Director of Phillips Medstone, we are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain or psychological distress such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and more. We have excellent providers who specialize in quality care using empirically validated treatment plans. Treatment options may include CBT, DBT, Biofeedback, EMDR and trauma focused care. We look forward to helping you establish care with a therapist who is 'the best fit for your needs.' Languages include English, Spanish and Italian.
As Founder and Clinical Director of Phillips Medstone, we are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain or psychological distress such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and more. We have excellent providers who specialize in quality care using empirically validated treatment plans. Treatment options may include CBT, DBT, Biofeedback, EMDR and trauma focused care. We look forward to helping you establish care with a therapist who is 'the best fit for your needs.' Languages include English, Spanish and Italian.
Julie Markowitz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92101 (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.
Marilisa Raju, PhD Psychologist, A Professional Co
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92105 (Online Only)
Are the stresses of navigating life or chronic medical issues getting you down? Nobody prepares you for dealing with being in constant physical pain and it can be an isolating and invalidating journey. Ever have difficulty understanding or making sense of who you are? Trying to understand who you are and where you belong can also be hard. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community I’ve had first-hand experience having to come to terms with holding multiple minority identities.
Are the stresses of navigating life or chronic medical issues getting you down? Nobody prepares you for dealing with being in constant physical pain and it can be an isolating and invalidating journey. Ever have difficulty understanding or making sense of who you are? Trying to understand who you are and where you belong can also be hard. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community I’ve had first-hand experience having to come to terms with holding multiple minority identities.
Kimberly Lauro
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92106 (Online Only)
Seeking treatment for depression, anxiety or chronic pain can be intimidating especially when you are feeling down, with little energy and overwhelmed. Because you are here, you are on the right track! I'm a clinical psychologist with over 16 years of experience helping people like you improve mood, energy, self- empowerment and quality of life.
Seeking treatment for depression, anxiety or chronic pain can be intimidating especially when you are feeling down, with little energy and overwhelmed. Because you are here, you are on the right track! I'm a clinical psychologist with over 16 years of experience helping people like you improve mood, energy, self- empowerment and quality of life.
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Brandon Gescheidle
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92103 (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.
Kendra Andersson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92117
My goal in therapy is to assist you in cultivating balance in your internal and external worlds. Whether that is through focusing on emotion or thought, rebalancing your relationships, finding stability in managing the psychological symptoms of chronic pain or cultivating internal safety and calm to combat memories of pain and trauma.
My goal in therapy is to assist you in cultivating balance in your internal and external worlds. Whether that is through focusing on emotion or thought, rebalancing your relationships, finding stability in managing the psychological symptoms of chronic pain or cultivating internal safety and calm to combat memories of pain and trauma.
Anne Nisenzon
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92108
I have extensive experience in pain coping, stress management, adjustment to major life changes, and insomnia therapy.
Sometimes life throws obstacles at you that are out of your control, but that does not mean you cannot live your optimally healthy life. Being truly healthy includes emotional, social, mental and physical well-being. When these aspects of life are out of balance due to health problems, work stress, or personal issues, it can feel like your whole world is falling apart. Working through these challenges and learning the best coping tools can help you put it back together. I strive to help you move through challenges in achieving a healthy mind and body using practical, evidence-based strategies and compassionate tailored care.
I have extensive experience in pain coping, stress management, adjustment to major life changes, and insomnia therapy.
Sometimes life throws obstacles at you that are out of your control, but that does not mean you cannot live your optimally healthy life. Being truly healthy includes emotional, social, mental and physical well-being. When these aspects of life are out of balance due to health problems, work stress, or personal issues, it can feel like your whole world is falling apart. Working through these challenges and learning the best coping tools can help you put it back together. I strive to help you move through challenges in achieving a healthy mind and body using practical, evidence-based strategies and compassionate tailored care.
Dr. Jackie Christensen
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92182 (Online Only)
Perhaps you struggle with frequent worrying and feelings of restlessness, which interferes with your daily life and your quality of sleep. Maybe you also live with a chronic pain issue or condition, like chronic migraines, back pain, or something else that causes frequent discomfort. You may deal with negative, perfectionistic, or self-critical thoughts about yourself that you can't seem to shake. These feelings, thoughts and sensations can often seem unbearable, unrelenting and paralyzing. You sometimes may wonder if you are all alone in these feelings. I am here to tell you that you are not alone and there is hope.
Perhaps you struggle with frequent worrying and feelings of restlessness, which interferes with your daily life and your quality of sleep. Maybe you also live with a chronic pain issue or condition, like chronic migraines, back pain, or something else that causes frequent discomfort. You may deal with negative, perfectionistic, or self-critical thoughts about yourself that you can't seem to shake. These feelings, thoughts and sensations can often seem unbearable, unrelenting and paralyzing. You sometimes may wonder if you are all alone in these feelings. I am here to tell you that you are not alone and there is hope.
Davida Price -Rhythm And Resolve Therapy Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MT-BC, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92103 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
You are so brave right now. Trying to find someone who can support you in living your best life can be hard. I hope I can help. You may be feeling lonely, frustrated, sad, lost, and on edge. It may be because of the past, something recent, or something you’re fearful of in the future. Whatever the case, you are struggling to be who you want to be. You want to see your potential, but there's all this stuff in the way. Let's clear the stuff, heal the pain, find your potential, and get you balanced and aligned with the true you.
You are so brave right now. Trying to find someone who can support you in living your best life can be hard. I hope I can help. You may be feeling lonely, frustrated, sad, lost, and on edge. It may be because of the past, something recent, or something you’re fearful of in the future. Whatever the case, you are struggling to be who you want to be. You want to see your potential, but there's all this stuff in the way. Let's clear the stuff, heal the pain, find your potential, and get you balanced and aligned with the true you.
Leslie Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92101
My name is Leslie Davis. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in San Francisco, California and work with clients statewide via telehealth. My experience includes 20 years in the clinical psychotherapy and professional counseling arena, working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, and complex trauma. I provide individual therapy to adults experiencing a wide range of concerns and mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, chronic pain, complex trauma/PTSD, grief/loss, self-esteem, substance abuse, and relationship issues.
My name is Leslie Davis. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in San Francisco, California and work with clients statewide via telehealth. My experience includes 20 years in the clinical psychotherapy and professional counseling arena, working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, and complex trauma. I provide individual therapy to adults experiencing a wide range of concerns and mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, chronic pain, complex trauma/PTSD, grief/loss, self-esteem, substance abuse, and relationship issues.
Wayne Allen Bardwell
Psychologist, PhD, MBA, F-APOS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92101
I believe the basis of a successful psychotherapy experience is a warm, empathic and non-judgmental connection where clients feel understood, supported and accepted. My clinical work focuses on helping people with depression or anxiety issues, chronic or life-threatening illness, & chronic pain. In addition, I enjoy working with older adolescents and young adults who have been frustrated in trying to capitalize on their strengths & achieve their personal & professional goals. Our work may involve issues related to mood, behaviors, education/career, stage-of-life transitions, relationships, & sexuality or sexual orientation.
I believe the basis of a successful psychotherapy experience is a warm, empathic and non-judgmental connection where clients feel understood, supported and accepted. My clinical work focuses on helping people with depression or anxiety issues, chronic or life-threatening illness, & chronic pain. In addition, I enjoy working with older adolescents and young adults who have been frustrated in trying to capitalize on their strengths & achieve their personal & professional goals. Our work may involve issues related to mood, behaviors, education/career, stage-of-life transitions, relationships, & sexuality or sexual orientation.
Maria-Elena Farias
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92154
Hello! My name is Elena Farias LCSW. I provide my clients with a warm, nonjudgmental space where they can explore their thoughts and feelings. Together we work collaboratively to build and strengthen their relationships, heal areas of their lives that have caused pain and trauma, as a result of our work together my client's become more aware of their inner strengths and build very rewarding lives.
Hello! My name is Elena Farias LCSW. I provide my clients with a warm, nonjudgmental space where they can explore their thoughts and feelings. Together we work collaboratively to build and strengthen their relationships, heal areas of their lives that have caused pain and trauma, as a result of our work together my client's become more aware of their inner strengths and build very rewarding lives.
Julie Flores
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92154
Hi, my name is Julie Flores. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). My approach is client-focused and tailored to meet individual needs. I specialize in depression, anxiety, grief, chronic pain, issues of the aging and elderly, and life changes. I have practiced social work and therapy for many years and look forward to providing services and helping clients improve their lives. My focus is primarily on providing services to adults with a variety of concerns such as depression, anxiety, and adjustment-type issues. I focus on those with mild to moderate mental health concerns and would be happy to evaluate any other concerns.
Hi, my name is Julie Flores. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). My approach is client-focused and tailored to meet individual needs. I specialize in depression, anxiety, grief, chronic pain, issues of the aging and elderly, and life changes. I have practiced social work and therapy for many years and look forward to providing services and helping clients improve their lives. My focus is primarily on providing services to adults with a variety of concerns such as depression, anxiety, and adjustment-type issues. I focus on those with mild to moderate mental health concerns and would be happy to evaluate any other concerns.
See more therapy options for San Diego
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for San Diego
- Chula Vista
- Coronado
- Del Mar
- El Cajon
- Imperial Beach
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- National City
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- Santee
- Solana Beach
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.