Therapists in Castro, San Francisco, CA

Photo of Shallyn Wells, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Castro, San Francisco, CA
Shallyn Wells
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, JD
Verified Verified
Castro, San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
This can look like grappling with your relationship (or society’s relationship) to: trauma, queerness/gender identity, burnout, growing up, messiness, chronic pain/illness, anxiety/depression, attachment patterns, and relationship models/transitions.
Welcome! I’m Shallyn, a queer, non-binary somatic therapist. I work with adults, teens, and relationships. I believe that healing happens "at the speed of trust," in relationship, and beyond the binaries of good/bad, broken/healed. I believe that the healing container we make together will be a space where you can start where you are (as the world’s expert of your own lived and felt experience); where you can notice and honor what your body is already doing to heal and protect itself; and where you can exist beyond stifling binaries and norms in unfolding relationship to your body, yourself, your people, and your world.
This can look like grappling with your relationship (or society’s relationship) to: trauma, queerness/gender identity, burnout, growing up, messiness, chronic pain/illness, anxiety/depression, attachment patterns, and relationship models/transitions.
Welcome! I’m Shallyn, a queer, non-binary somatic therapist. I work with adults, teens, and relationships. I believe that healing happens "at the speed of trust," in relationship, and beyond the binaries of good/bad, broken/healed. I believe that the healing container we make together will be a space where you can start where you are (as the world’s expert of your own lived and felt experience); where you can notice and honor what your body is already doing to heal and protect itself; and where you can exist beyond stifling binaries and norms in unfolding relationship to your body, yourself, your people, and your world.
(415) 942-9603 View (415) 942-9603
Photo of Roger J. Kuhn, Marriage & Family Therapist in Castro, San Francisco, CA
Roger J. Kuhn
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD
Verified Verified
Castro, San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
I focus on issues such as out of control sexual behavior, sexual dysfunctions such as erectile issues, premature and delayed ejaculation, pelvic pain, intimacy with partner issues, and sexuality exploration including behavior and gender.
I am a certified sex therapist and work with clients experiencing issues related to sexuality including performance anxiety, sexual dysfunction, or problematic sexual behavior. We will examine the triggers in your life and find resources to help you manage your challenges when they arise. My work is informed from a social and sexual justice perspective. In addition to my work as a sex therapist, I also work with anxiety, depression, and grief. I am currently seeing clients online via video conference.
I focus on issues such as out of control sexual behavior, sexual dysfunctions such as erectile issues, premature and delayed ejaculation, pelvic pain, intimacy with partner issues, and sexuality exploration including behavior and gender.
I am a certified sex therapist and work with clients experiencing issues related to sexuality including performance anxiety, sexual dysfunction, or problematic sexual behavior. We will examine the triggers in your life and find resources to help you manage your challenges when they arise. My work is informed from a social and sexual justice perspective. In addition to my work as a sex therapist, I also work with anxiety, depression, and grief. I am currently seeing clients online via video conference.
(415) 630-5758 View (415) 630-5758
Photo of Renee Razzano, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Castro, San Francisco, CA
Renee Razzano
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
Castro, San Francisco, CA 94114
This can be especially useful when dealing with trauma, grief, life transitions, and pain and illness.
I provide therapy as a space for people to become more genuinely themselves. Through a process of curiosity and discovery, I help individuals and couples address sources of anxiety and stress and compulsive or unwanted behaviors. I provide support during crises and life changes, and facilitate progress toward long-term awareness, transformation, choice and growth. For couples, I provide a balanced space to work toward clarity, mutual recognition, empathy, and improved relatedness.
This can be especially useful when dealing with trauma, grief, life transitions, and pain and illness.
I provide therapy as a space for people to become more genuinely themselves. Through a process of curiosity and discovery, I help individuals and couples address sources of anxiety and stress and compulsive or unwanted behaviors. I provide support during crises and life changes, and facilitate progress toward long-term awareness, transformation, choice and growth. For couples, I provide a balanced space to work toward clarity, mutual recognition, empathy, and improved relatedness.
(415) 663-5522 View (415) 663-5522
Photo of Roxanne Shooshani, Marriage & Family Therapist in Castro, San Francisco, CA
Roxanne Shooshani
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Castro, San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
Hello and welcome to your psychotherapy journey. I am here to join you as you weather life's storms. Whether it's trauma, family tensions, illness, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, loneliness, work stress, or just plain existential dread - I can support you on your healing path. I bring a breadth of experience to my sessions, including a history of therapeutic work with teens, families, the LGBTQIA community, folks with chronic pain and illnesses, college students, and elderly adults.
Hello and welcome to your psychotherapy journey. I am here to join you as you weather life's storms. Whether it's trauma, family tensions, illness, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, loneliness, work stress, or just plain existential dread - I can support you on your healing path. I bring a breadth of experience to my sessions, including a history of therapeutic work with teens, families, the LGBTQIA community, folks with chronic pain and illnesses, college students, and elderly adults.
(415) 895-9571 View (415) 895-9571
Photo of Abbie Endres, Marriage & Family Therapist in Castro, San Francisco, CA
Abbie Endres
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Castro, San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
Two guiding intentions support this work: Develop tools, awareness, and self-compassion to transform pain and suffering.
You've begun a courageous search. Take heart, healing is possible. My work is rooted in the body/mind connection, nourished by the imagination, and anchored in the support of our therapy relationship. My style includes both directing and listening. I understand that your timing and willingness to explore your concerns are unique and must be navigated with respect. We work together to take stock, talk about your goals, and gather the tools needed - from your own strengths, the training I bring, and a community of resources - to help you continue your journey of wellbeing.
Two guiding intentions support this work: Develop tools, awareness, and self-compassion to transform pain and suffering.
You've begun a courageous search. Take heart, healing is possible. My work is rooted in the body/mind connection, nourished by the imagination, and anchored in the support of our therapy relationship. My style includes both directing and listening. I understand that your timing and willingness to explore your concerns are unique and must be navigated with respect. We work together to take stock, talk about your goals, and gather the tools needed - from your own strengths, the training I bring, and a community of resources - to help you continue your journey of wellbeing.
(415) 322-3318 View (415) 322-3318
Photo of Jo Sopko, Marriage & Family Therapist in Castro, San Francisco, CA
Jo Sopko
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, RDT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Castro, San Francisco, CA 94114
* ADULTS: I work with issues of loss, stress, anxiety, depression, abuse, sex addiction, spiritual guidance, and developmental life changes.* CHILDREN: I invite their stories that may be troubled due to emotional and academic issues. Through play, art and sand tray, I address issues of divorce, traumatic losses, abuse, adoption, bullying and low self esteem that may be affecting your children. * COUPLES: My passion is to help the couple find a yet unknown way to a compassionate, loving, open communicative relationship; to become vulnerable to the pain and wounds of each other's soul.
* ADULTS: I work with issues of loss, stress, anxiety, depression, abuse, sex addiction, spiritual guidance, and developmental life changes.* CHILDREN: I invite their stories that may be troubled due to emotional and academic issues. Through play, art and sand tray, I address issues of divorce, traumatic losses, abuse, adoption, bullying and low self esteem that may be affecting your children. * COUPLES: My passion is to help the couple find a yet unknown way to a compassionate, loving, open communicative relationship; to become vulnerable to the pain and wounds of each other's soul.
(415) 799-4143 View (415) 799-4143
Photo of Brooke Ferragamo, Psychologist in Castro, San Francisco, CA
Brooke Ferragamo
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Castro, San Francisco, CA 94114
In our work together, we can explore deeper unconscious patterns that are causing you unnecessary pain.
I offer a grounded, warm, and personalized approach to help adolescents and adults cope with life transitions, chronic distress, trauma, and other mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. I am passionate about serving adolescents who are struggling to find their place in our rapidly changing world, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and any folks who feel as though they have difficulty fitting into society's prescribed norms. Some folks reach out with a specific goal in mind, while just as many enter therapy with more of a feeling that something is not quite right. In either case, you are welcome here.
In our work together, we can explore deeper unconscious patterns that are causing you unnecessary pain.
I offer a grounded, warm, and personalized approach to help adolescents and adults cope with life transitions, chronic distress, trauma, and other mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. I am passionate about serving adolescents who are struggling to find their place in our rapidly changing world, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and any folks who feel as though they have difficulty fitting into society's prescribed norms. Some folks reach out with a specific goal in mind, while just as many enter therapy with more of a feeling that something is not quite right. In either case, you are welcome here.
(415) 639-4075 View (415) 639-4075
Photo of Phuong Le, Marriage & Family Therapist in Castro, San Francisco, CA
Phuong Le
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Castro, San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
I use humor and compassion to provide some reprieve from personal pain and offer honesty to dispel personal inaccurate myths.
Hello, My name is Phuong Le. I am a Vietnamese bilingual psychotherapist who would like to bring therapy to people who feel therapy is only accessible to just the few. I am particularly passionate about offering services to people experiencing marginalization. I have been trained in psychodynamic approaches, objects-relations theory, cognitive behavioral therapy approaches and use mindfulness as an integral part of of work with clients. I have worked as a direct service clinician, manager, Clinical Supervisor, and overseeing contracts for mental health provider agencies. I have dedicatedly career to empower and enhance the voice
I use humor and compassion to provide some reprieve from personal pain and offer honesty to dispel personal inaccurate myths.
Hello, My name is Phuong Le. I am a Vietnamese bilingual psychotherapist who would like to bring therapy to people who feel therapy is only accessible to just the few. I am particularly passionate about offering services to people experiencing marginalization. I have been trained in psychodynamic approaches, objects-relations theory, cognitive behavioral therapy approaches and use mindfulness as an integral part of of work with clients. I have worked as a direct service clinician, manager, Clinical Supervisor, and overseeing contracts for mental health provider agencies. I have dedicatedly career to empower and enhance the voice
(341) 766-0650 View (341) 766-0650
Photo of Diana Nguy, Pre-Licensed Professional in Castro, San Francisco, CA
Diana Nguy
Pre-Licensed Professional, OTR/L, MFTT
Verified Verified
Castro, San Francisco, CA 94114
You don’t have to suffer alone. Sitting with difficult emotions, pain, and discomfort can be challenging. Allow the parts of you that have been rejected, repressed, hidden, or forgotten to surface. Allow these parts of you to be seen, to be heard, to be held, to be loved.
You don’t have to suffer alone. Sitting with difficult emotions, pain, and discomfort can be challenging. Allow the parts of you that have been rejected, repressed, hidden, or forgotten to surface. Allow these parts of you to be seen, to be heard, to be held, to be loved.
(650) 487-3461 View (650) 487-3461
Photo of Alison Murphey, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in Castro, San Francisco, CA
Alison Murphey, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Castro, San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
As a therapist specializing in anxiety, chronic health and pain conditions, trauma, and addiction, I have the expertise you need to get on the road to the peace, and fulfillment you deserve.
Do you feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, anger or defeat, as a result of a significant life change or past trauma? Maybe a relationship has ended or a new phase of life has just begun. Perhaps you’re living with the long-term effects of abuse, pain, or other traumatic experience. You may feel out of control & unsafe of your life or emotions, anxious about even the smallest things, or like you just can’t find your footing. Eventually, these things start to overflow into other areas of life: your relationships, work, and decisions about the future. Despite how hard things are right now, you know there’s more to life than this.
As a therapist specializing in anxiety, chronic health and pain conditions, trauma, and addiction, I have the expertise you need to get on the road to the peace, and fulfillment you deserve.
Do you feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, anger or defeat, as a result of a significant life change or past trauma? Maybe a relationship has ended or a new phase of life has just begun. Perhaps you’re living with the long-term effects of abuse, pain, or other traumatic experience. You may feel out of control & unsafe of your life or emotions, anxious about even the smallest things, or like you just can’t find your footing. Eventually, these things start to overflow into other areas of life: your relationships, work, and decisions about the future. Despite how hard things are right now, you know there’s more to life than this.
(747) 477-8649 View (747) 477-8649
Photo of Minda Streamer, Associate Clinical Social Worker in Castro, San Francisco, CA
Minda Streamer
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW
Not Verified Not Verified
Castro, San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker with three years of experience providing individual and group therapy to a wide variety of people through various settings. I earned my Bachelors in American Indian Studies at UCLA and my Masters in Clinical Social Work through a Trauma Responsive program of study at the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. I am also an enrolled member of the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeño Indians.
I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker with three years of experience providing individual and group therapy to a wide variety of people through various settings. I earned my Bachelors in American Indian Studies at UCLA and my Masters in Clinical Social Work through a Trauma Responsive program of study at the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. I am also an enrolled member of the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeño Indians.
(347) 658-1393 View (347) 658-1393
Photo of Sterling Walker, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Castro, San Francisco, CA
Sterling Walker
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Castro, San Francisco, CA 94114
Throughout our lives, we all have experienced feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger. These emotions leave you feeling insecure, shameful, lonely, unworthy and stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior. Trauma can have negative emotional and physical effects and can lead to family/relationship issues. I specialize in solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and CBT. These approaches allow me to work with the client to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression and other health/behavioral issues.
Throughout our lives, we all have experienced feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger. These emotions leave you feeling insecure, shameful, lonely, unworthy and stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior. Trauma can have negative emotional and physical effects and can lead to family/relationship issues. I specialize in solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and CBT. These approaches allow me to work with the client to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression and other health/behavioral issues.
(415) 840-3997 View (415) 840-3997
Photo of Isis Lewis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Castro, San Francisco, CA
Isis Lewis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Castro, San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
I am a passionate and empathetic therapist with strong counseling abilities and an understanding of interpersonal familial relationships. I have experience leading clients through their struggles with interpersonal issues, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Through clinical experience, compassion, and empathy I support and assist those willing to make a positive difference in their lives.
I am a passionate and empathetic therapist with strong counseling abilities and an understanding of interpersonal familial relationships. I have experience leading clients through their struggles with interpersonal issues, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Through clinical experience, compassion, and empathy I support and assist those willing to make a positive difference in their lives.
(312) 561-3208 View (312) 561-3208
Photo of CK Olivieri Blackmore, Marriage & Family Therapist in Castro, San Francisco, CA
CK Olivieri Blackmore
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Castro, San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
(518) 269-5458 View (518) 269-5458
Photo of Christina Marie Balistreri, Marriage & Family Therapist in Castro, San Francisco, CA
Christina Marie Balistreri
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Castro, San Francisco, CA 94114
I have worked with a wide variety of clients dealing with a range of symptoms. I enjoy working with different clients from adults to kids and individual, families, couples and groups and I believe we can all learn from each other. I enjoy offering my experiences and skills to help others better understand themselves and their relationships. I understand that life challenges, both big and small, can affect people's mood and productivity. I am caring, compassionate, understanding and a great listener. I provide a very non-judgmental and caring space for clients to explore the challenges they are faced with.
I have worked with a wide variety of clients dealing with a range of symptoms. I enjoy working with different clients from adults to kids and individual, families, couples and groups and I believe we can all learn from each other. I enjoy offering my experiences and skills to help others better understand themselves and their relationships. I understand that life challenges, both big and small, can affect people's mood and productivity. I am caring, compassionate, understanding and a great listener. I provide a very non-judgmental and caring space for clients to explore the challenges they are faced with.
(415) 855-7947 View (415) 855-7947
Photo of Taylor Isaacson, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Castro, San Francisco, CA
Taylor Isaacson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Castro, San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
We all deserve space to be our full selves. I view my role as therapist as a co-explorer – I walk alongside you as you navigate your authentic experience of this world. In session, we follow what feels present for you in the moment and approach what arises with curiosity. This mindful awareness helps us meet and build relationship with more “parts” of you. I aim to allow all of you in. Eventually, this process of being “more you” can lead to a more grounded and connected existence, one in which you find yourself with more choice, agency, and fulfillment in life.
We all deserve space to be our full selves. I view my role as therapist as a co-explorer – I walk alongside you as you navigate your authentic experience of this world. In session, we follow what feels present for you in the moment and approach what arises with curiosity. This mindful awareness helps us meet and build relationship with more “parts” of you. I aim to allow all of you in. Eventually, this process of being “more you” can lead to a more grounded and connected existence, one in which you find yourself with more choice, agency, and fulfillment in life.
(415) 326-9895 View (415) 326-9895
Photo of Carina Hartley, LPC Intern in Castro, San Francisco, CA
Carina Hartley
LPC Intern, MA
Verified Verified
Castro, San Francisco, CA 94131  (Online Only)
I love working with spiritual, creative, artistic weirdos who live and love outside the box. If you're feeling lost, disconnected, and struggling to find your groove in the world: I hear you. I bet there are also ways that you are yearning to express yourself; to be deeply seen and supported. Are you hoping to show up in relationships in a more authentic way? Exploring parts of your identity that feel like exciting and scary unknowns? I’m here to help you embrace the fluidity and complexity of who you are. Therapy is your space to integrate all of life's challenges and beauty within a safe and compassionate relationship.
I love working with spiritual, creative, artistic weirdos who live and love outside the box. If you're feeling lost, disconnected, and struggling to find your groove in the world: I hear you. I bet there are also ways that you are yearning to express yourself; to be deeply seen and supported. Are you hoping to show up in relationships in a more authentic way? Exploring parts of your identity that feel like exciting and scary unknowns? I’m here to help you embrace the fluidity and complexity of who you are. Therapy is your space to integrate all of life's challenges and beauty within a safe and compassionate relationship.
(415) 449-2867 View (415) 449-2867
Gaylesta, Psych Assn for Gender & Sexual Diversity
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, PsyD, LMFT, LCSW, LPCC
Verified Verified
Castro, San Francisco, CA 94114
WELCOME to Gaylesta: The Psychotherapist Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity. Our members provide mental health services including therapist referrals, education, and consultation. We offer a wide range of specializations, allowing us to serve as a unique resource both the LGBTQ communities and to other service providers. Explore our site to find a therapist, learn more about us, or become a valued member.
WELCOME to Gaylesta: The Psychotherapist Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity. Our members provide mental health services including therapist referrals, education, and consultation. We offer a wide range of specializations, allowing us to serve as a unique resource both the LGBTQ communities and to other service providers. Explore our site to find a therapist, learn more about us, or become a valued member.
Photo of Nick Krieger, Marriage & Family Therapist in Castro, San Francisco, CA
Nick Krieger
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, MFA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Castro, San Francisco, CA 94114
I love working within my communities, supporting other queer and trans folks, whether you are coming in to explore your identity, or you simply want a therapist you don’t need to educate. I help clients with relationship challenges, familial difficulties, anxiety, depression, grief, and the impacts of trauma. I welcome people of all identities and work particularly well with people who feel different from others.
I love working within my communities, supporting other queer and trans folks, whether you are coming in to explore your identity, or you simply want a therapist you don’t need to educate. I help clients with relationship challenges, familial difficulties, anxiety, depression, grief, and the impacts of trauma. I welcome people of all identities and work particularly well with people who feel different from others.
(415) 903-4465 View (415) 903-4465
Photo of Gina Nobuko Ramos, Marriage & Family Therapist in Castro, San Francisco, CA
Gina Nobuko Ramos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
Castro, San Francisco, CA 94114
Moving towards the life you desire involves the cultivation of self-acceptance, curiosity, and renewal. The gradual unfolding of what you explore, allows you to become more familiar with resolving your concerns. This inquiry of exploration deepens the gradual awakening of finding, and following your inner wisdom, inviting conscious change in your life. You may be dealing with difficulties which are preventing you from achieving your goals. Sometimes, overwhelming emotions, challenging situations, or unexpected transitions leave you feeling in need of extra support.
Moving towards the life you desire involves the cultivation of self-acceptance, curiosity, and renewal. The gradual unfolding of what you explore, allows you to become more familiar with resolving your concerns. This inquiry of exploration deepens the gradual awakening of finding, and following your inner wisdom, inviting conscious change in your life. You may be dealing with difficulties which are preventing you from achieving your goals. Sometimes, overwhelming emotions, challenging situations, or unexpected transitions leave you feeling in need of extra support.
(415) 522-0707 View (415) 522-0707

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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.