Therapists in North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA

Photo of Leah R Finn, Marriage & Family Therapist in North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA
Leah R Finn
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA 94109  (Online Only)
I've successfully treated many people who have experienced anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic illness/ pain and other issues.
As your therapist, I create an environment for you to feel safe to explore fears, challenges and your deepest desires. I'm here to empower you! I'll offer a variety of techniques and collaborate with you in developing goals to co-create a therapeutic experience, facilitating healing and personal growth. I use an anti-oppression, disability justice framework and consider how ethnicity, class, gender, age, ability and sexuality intersect. My background as a community organizer for social justice informs my practice. I will tailor our work together to address your unique and specific needs and preferences.
I've successfully treated many people who have experienced anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic illness/ pain and other issues.
As your therapist, I create an environment for you to feel safe to explore fears, challenges and your deepest desires. I'm here to empower you! I'll offer a variety of techniques and collaborate with you in developing goals to co-create a therapeutic experience, facilitating healing and personal growth. I use an anti-oppression, disability justice framework and consider how ethnicity, class, gender, age, ability and sexuality intersect. My background as a community organizer for social justice informs my practice. I will tailor our work together to address your unique and specific needs and preferences.
(510) 560-7164 View (510) 560-7164
Photo of Mindfulness Psychotherapy, Jim Mathis LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA
Mindfulness Psychotherapy, Jim Mathis LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
I use the principles of Positive Psychology and Mindfulness to teach techniques that increase awareness and ability to control attention so that you can experience happiness and not be a slave to compulsive thinking. You will learn and experience living in a way that frees energy that is being spent on habitual regrets of the past and worries of the future. I can guide you through loneliness, isolation, emotional pain, grief, relationship distress and trauma.
I use the principles of Positive Psychology and Mindfulness to teach techniques that increase awareness and ability to control attention so that you can experience happiness and not be a slave to compulsive thinking. You will learn and experience living in a way that frees energy that is being spent on habitual regrets of the past and worries of the future. I can guide you through loneliness, isolation, emotional pain, grief, relationship distress and trauma.
(530) 723-1649 View (530) 723-1649
Photo of Barbara Claire Freeman, Licensed Psychoanalyst in North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA
Barbara Claire Freeman
Licensed Psychoanalyst, PhD
Verified Verified
North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA 94101
Sometimes it seems life asks us to bear the unbearable. A heartbreaking loss, difficult transition, illness of yourself or loved one, the lack of anything that might make your life meaningful and pleasurable—these are some of the issues I respond to and can help with. If you’re suffering or your life lacks purpose look at my website and, if you feel a connection, please reach out. I work from a generous and flexible sliding scale and am committed to providing accessible treatment. Whatever you’re facing, you don’t have to do this alone. Psychoanalytic therapy, especially as practiced by Lacanian analysts, can be transformative.
Sometimes it seems life asks us to bear the unbearable. A heartbreaking loss, difficult transition, illness of yourself or loved one, the lack of anything that might make your life meaningful and pleasurable—these are some of the issues I respond to and can help with. If you’re suffering or your life lacks purpose look at my website and, if you feel a connection, please reach out. I work from a generous and flexible sliding scale and am committed to providing accessible treatment. Whatever you’re facing, you don’t have to do this alone. Psychoanalytic therapy, especially as practiced by Lacanian analysts, can be transformative.
(341) 888-7964 View (341) 888-7964
Photo of Susan Harden, Psychologist in North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA
Susan Harden
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA 94102
I am a cognitive behavioral psychologist and as such I utilize a goal oriented focus in working with problems that you may be experiencing. I also believe that understanding the meaning of experiences are essential to working through them. I have worked both with children and adults in my practice and have done a great deal of work with people experiencing anxiety, depression, and chronic illness.
I am a cognitive behavioral psychologist and as such I utilize a goal oriented focus in working with problems that you may be experiencing. I also believe that understanding the meaning of experiences are essential to working through them. I have worked both with children and adults in my practice and have done a great deal of work with people experiencing anxiety, depression, and chronic illness.
(310) 341-0907 View (310) 341-0907
Photo of Krista Gallagher, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA
Krista Gallagher
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
I help couples create more loving, connected, and healthy relationships, recognizing that intimate relationships often expose our deepest wounds as well as our greatest chance for growth and healing. I specialize in supporting couples in exploring communication challenges, intimacy issues, emotional distance, and the impact that significant life events (pregnancy, post-partum, parenting, grief, chronic illness, financial stressors) can have on a relationship.
I help couples create more loving, connected, and healthy relationships, recognizing that intimate relationships often expose our deepest wounds as well as our greatest chance for growth and healing. I specialize in supporting couples in exploring communication challenges, intimacy issues, emotional distance, and the impact that significant life events (pregnancy, post-partum, parenting, grief, chronic illness, financial stressors) can have on a relationship.
(831) 263-4575 View (831) 263-4575
Photo of Jenny Vladimirov, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA
Jenny Vladimirov
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA 94102
As we age, our well-being is impacted by various life transitions such as retirement, physical health issues, relocation, and loss of loved ones. I provide assistance in navigating this new territory with a focus on building resilience, supporting personal agency, developing coping skills, and increasing mindfulness. During psychotherapy sessions and care consultations, I offer guidance in the following areas: mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, sleep disorders, grief and loss, living with illness, disability, and chronic pain, planning for retirement and aging, caregiving and care-receiving.
As we age, our well-being is impacted by various life transitions such as retirement, physical health issues, relocation, and loss of loved ones. I provide assistance in navigating this new territory with a focus on building resilience, supporting personal agency, developing coping skills, and increasing mindfulness. During psychotherapy sessions and care consultations, I offer guidance in the following areas: mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, sleep disorders, grief and loss, living with illness, disability, and chronic pain, planning for retirement and aging, caregiving and care-receiving.
(650) 610-1842 View (650) 610-1842
Photo of Shannon Knorr, Pre-Licensed Professional in North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA
Shannon Knorr
Pre-Licensed Professional, AMFT
Verified Verified
North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
I enjoy in working with; self esteem & worth, trauma healing & recovery, body image & body positivity, disordered eating & relationship to body, belonging as our birthright, transforming deep shame into liberation, body & sex shame, relationships and boundaries, anxiety, stress & hyper-vigilance, nervous system imbalances, life transitions & identity, honoring grief, loss & death, life threatening illness, cancer, auto-immune disease, rites of passage, aging, adolescence, menopause, women's empowerment, highly sensitive people & empaths, people pleasers, intergenerational trauma & ancestral healing, mothering & the mother wound.
I enjoy in working with; self esteem & worth, trauma healing & recovery, body image & body positivity, disordered eating & relationship to body, belonging as our birthright, transforming deep shame into liberation, body & sex shame, relationships and boundaries, anxiety, stress & hyper-vigilance, nervous system imbalances, life transitions & identity, honoring grief, loss & death, life threatening illness, cancer, auto-immune disease, rites of passage, aging, adolescence, menopause, women's empowerment, highly sensitive people & empaths, people pleasers, intergenerational trauma & ancestral healing, mothering & the mother wound.
(510) 983-4457 View (510) 983-4457
Photo of Elika Razmjou, Psychologist in North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA
Elika Razmjou
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
In my practice, I offer specialized treatments for insomnia (CBTi), chronic pain, coping with chronic illness, and stress/anxiety; I am also a mindfulness facilitator and yoga teacher.
Therapy is an opportunity to invest in the emotional education your younger self may have never received, and wished they had. It's a space to explore old patterns and habits, and to discern which ones are serving you, and which may be getting in the way of the life you'd like to live. I help my clients get unstuck, through exploring and shifting their relationship with their own thoughts and emotions. I empower clients by equipping them with coping tools to manage stress and balance the nervous system, ultimately in service of reconnecting with whatever it is that drives them- their core values.
In my practice, I offer specialized treatments for insomnia (CBTi), chronic pain, coping with chronic illness, and stress/anxiety; I am also a mindfulness facilitator and yoga teacher.
Therapy is an opportunity to invest in the emotional education your younger self may have never received, and wished they had. It's a space to explore old patterns and habits, and to discern which ones are serving you, and which may be getting in the way of the life you'd like to live. I help my clients get unstuck, through exploring and shifting their relationship with their own thoughts and emotions. I empower clients by equipping them with coping tools to manage stress and balance the nervous system, ultimately in service of reconnecting with whatever it is that drives them- their core values.
(213) 394-9687 View (213) 394-9687
Photo of Claudio Zanet, Marriage & Family Therapist in North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA
Claudio Zanet
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, MBA
Verified Verified
North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA 94102
Are you making it through the day, looking to the rest of the world as if you're doing just fine, but deep down inside you feel stuck and uninspired? Do you wonder what is holding you back from thriving in the world? In our hectic world we often find ourselves afraid to take risks that could jeopardize the stable lives we've created for ourselves. We remain in jobs, relationships and old patterns that no longer work, while symptoms such as anxiety, depression, stress, anger and self-defeating patterns keep us from making real changes to our lives.
Are you making it through the day, looking to the rest of the world as if you're doing just fine, but deep down inside you feel stuck and uninspired? Do you wonder what is holding you back from thriving in the world? In our hectic world we often find ourselves afraid to take risks that could jeopardize the stable lives we've created for ourselves. We remain in jobs, relationships and old patterns that no longer work, while symptoms such as anxiety, depression, stress, anger and self-defeating patterns keep us from making real changes to our lives.
(415) 578-7307 x3 View (415) 578-7307 x3
Photo of Dr. Mariel Barcebal, Psychologist in North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA
Dr. Mariel Barcebal
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. ― Anais Nin. Choosing to start therapy is so powerful as it means that you are looking to create a shift within yourself and what you've been doing is no longer serving you. Have you noticed yourself feeling stuck and overwhelmed within the negative cycle of your circumstances & deeply established emotional patterns? Do you identify as a people pleaser, shrinking yourself & prioritizing others' needs over your own? I will work collaboratively with you to break intergenerational trauma patterns at its source & move forward anew.
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. ― Anais Nin. Choosing to start therapy is so powerful as it means that you are looking to create a shift within yourself and what you've been doing is no longer serving you. Have you noticed yourself feeling stuck and overwhelmed within the negative cycle of your circumstances & deeply established emotional patterns? Do you identify as a people pleaser, shrinking yourself & prioritizing others' needs over your own? I will work collaboratively with you to break intergenerational trauma patterns at its source & move forward anew.
(213) 335-2236 View (213) 335-2236
Photo of Nina (Anin) Utigaard, Marriage & Family Therapist in North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA
Nina (Anin) Utigaard
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, REAT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
Taking the first step to get in and talk to a therapist about concerns that are holding you back or creating challenges is not easy. But it can really make a difference. The issues or concerns you have may be preventing you from moving forward or from having fulfilling relationships, career or a satisfying life. Whether it's communication problems, anger, anxiety, or depression, you can make changes. Using verbal and non-verbal therapeutic techniques, in a safe, accepting environment, you can find new ways to face your concerns, and discover your strengths and resources to flourish and grow.
Taking the first step to get in and talk to a therapist about concerns that are holding you back or creating challenges is not easy. But it can really make a difference. The issues or concerns you have may be preventing you from moving forward or from having fulfilling relationships, career or a satisfying life. Whether it's communication problems, anger, anxiety, or depression, you can make changes. Using verbal and non-verbal therapeutic techniques, in a safe, accepting environment, you can find new ways to face your concerns, and discover your strengths and resources to flourish and grow.
(415) 742-1932 View (415) 742-1932
Photo of Bronwyn Wrobel, Marriage & Family Therapist in North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA
Bronwyn Wrobel
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LMHC
Verified Verified
19 Endorsed
North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
As a Transpersonal Psychotherapist I offer mental, physical, social, emotional, and intellectual support. Transpersonal psychology emphasizes the importance of a healthy spirit in healing and wholeness. I utilize my empathic skills & intensive training to integrate all life experiences with modern psychology. My unique approach to healing focuses on how we achieve meaning & purpose through personal empowerment & expansion.
As a Transpersonal Psychotherapist I offer mental, physical, social, emotional, and intellectual support. Transpersonal psychology emphasizes the importance of a healthy spirit in healing and wholeness. I utilize my empathic skills & intensive training to integrate all life experiences with modern psychology. My unique approach to healing focuses on how we achieve meaning & purpose through personal empowerment & expansion.
(310) 905-8625 View (310) 905-8625
Photo of Marina Counseling Center, Marriage & Family Therapist in North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA
Marina Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA 94125
At times we all need help sorting out life's complexities. At the Marina Counseling Center we offer professional, skilled, affordable, psychotherapy to address the challanges that life can bring. The Marina Counseling Center is a non-profit community counseling center and training institute in the heart of San Francisco's Marina district. We provide counseling to adults, couples, and families on fees adjusted to client needs. These fees range from $35 and up, based on ability to pay.
At times we all need help sorting out life's complexities. At the Marina Counseling Center we offer professional, skilled, affordable, psychotherapy to address the challanges that life can bring. The Marina Counseling Center is a non-profit community counseling center and training institute in the heart of San Francisco's Marina district. We provide counseling to adults, couples, and families on fees adjusted to client needs. These fees range from $35 and up, based on ability to pay.
(415) 969-2090 View (415) 969-2090
Photo of Michael R. Mollura, Psychologist in North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA
Michael R. Mollura
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA 94102
PhD clinician who provides a positive-minded creative oriented approach to working with anxiety, depression, grief and other psychological challenges. My work includes a blend of traditional and Jungian psychotherapy with interactive strategies for optimizing a healthier life. I value the importance of generating a safe space that allows for a sense of trust. With many years of training and spiritual growth, my approach to psychology is different than most because it is designed to guide you towards knowing a more integrated you using human-driven communications. Yes - I actually smile, react and exchange ideas with enthusiasm.
PhD clinician who provides a positive-minded creative oriented approach to working with anxiety, depression, grief and other psychological challenges. My work includes a blend of traditional and Jungian psychotherapy with interactive strategies for optimizing a healthier life. I value the importance of generating a safe space that allows for a sense of trust. With many years of training and spiritual growth, my approach to psychology is different than most because it is designed to guide you towards knowing a more integrated you using human-driven communications. Yes - I actually smile, react and exchange ideas with enthusiasm.
(213) 297-2776 View (213) 297-2776
Photo of Yolanda Yturralde, Marriage & Family Therapist in North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA
Yolanda Yturralde
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT, LPCC, KAP
Verified Verified
North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA 94101
I am an enthusiastic Psychotherapist/Clinical Hypnotherapist and NOW offering Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. I inspire you to work through anxiety issues and become more powerful. I bring creative, supportive counseling and a positive attitude to my private practice. During my sessions I provide: Trauma Treatment, KAP, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Hypnosis, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing, & Attachment work, I tend the Soul Life in all my clients. 24 yrs in practice helping UCSB, SBCC, & Santa Barbara and California clients. My passion is you living your full potential. Give me a call to see if we are a match.
I am an enthusiastic Psychotherapist/Clinical Hypnotherapist and NOW offering Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. I inspire you to work through anxiety issues and become more powerful. I bring creative, supportive counseling and a positive attitude to my private practice. During my sessions I provide: Trauma Treatment, KAP, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Hypnosis, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing, & Attachment work, I tend the Soul Life in all my clients. 24 yrs in practice helping UCSB, SBCC, & Santa Barbara and California clients. My passion is you living your full potential. Give me a call to see if we are a match.
(805) 419-9294 View (805) 419-9294
Photo of Theo Kuczek, Marriage & Family Therapist in North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA
Theo Kuczek
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, CPT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA 94102
Therapy with me will have you leaving my office with tangible ways, for you or you and your loved ones, to facilitate changes in what you want in your life from the very first session. I will challenge you hard but with compassion. I enjoy helping people develop an enthusiasm for the process of self-discovery and healing. I make authentic contact with people help them cultivate a taste for their own Truths while making space to grieve the loss of old ways or relating to people and the world around them. I see starting therapy is a sign of intelligence.
Therapy with me will have you leaving my office with tangible ways, for you or you and your loved ones, to facilitate changes in what you want in your life from the very first session. I will challenge you hard but with compassion. I enjoy helping people develop an enthusiasm for the process of self-discovery and healing. I make authentic contact with people help them cultivate a taste for their own Truths while making space to grieve the loss of old ways or relating to people and the world around them. I see starting therapy is a sign of intelligence.
(925) 232-0438 View (925) 232-0438
Photo of Beverly Swann, Marriage & Family Therapist in North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA
Beverly Swann
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA 94101
Trauma...COVID fatigue...current political climate...feeling stuck...anxiety...wanting more from life...clients come to me for many reasons. My holistic, body-oriented psychotherapy & health services are based on principles of wholeness, positive psychology, & empowerment. It's about more than venting stress. It's about identifying & transcending challenges/roadblocks/speedbumps. It's about cultivating happiness/peace/well-being, learning & expanding tools, discovering & nurturing your authentic self & the resources you already have, & seeing yourself as the complex & unique being you are. Cultivate a life of thriving!
Trauma...COVID fatigue...current political climate...feeling stuck...anxiety...wanting more from life...clients come to me for many reasons. My holistic, body-oriented psychotherapy & health services are based on principles of wholeness, positive psychology, & empowerment. It's about more than venting stress. It's about identifying & transcending challenges/roadblocks/speedbumps. It's about cultivating happiness/peace/well-being, learning & expanding tools, discovering & nurturing your authentic self & the resources you already have, & seeing yourself as the complex & unique being you are. Cultivate a life of thriving!
(925) 705-7036 View (925) 705-7036
Photo of Dr. John P Rogers, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA
Dr. John P Rogers
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, PsyD, LPCC
Verified Verified
North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA 94101
In life's journey, issues, challenges, and hard decisions come up. Are you looking for a therapist who can help without judging, labeling, or making assumptions? As an experienced clinician, I recognize that if I am not grateful to help everyone, then I am not qualified to help anyone. I pride myself on creating a safe and supportive space to work collaboratively with my clients to overcome complex traumas, relational stressors, and barriers to their happiness and satisfaction with life.
In life's journey, issues, challenges, and hard decisions come up. Are you looking for a therapist who can help without judging, labeling, or making assumptions? As an experienced clinician, I recognize that if I am not grateful to help everyone, then I am not qualified to help anyone. I pride myself on creating a safe and supportive space to work collaboratively with my clients to overcome complex traumas, relational stressors, and barriers to their happiness and satisfaction with life.
(661) 387-2555 View (661) 387-2555
Photo of Michelle Taylor, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA
Michelle Taylor
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA 94101
Accepting new clients/couples NOW- Online Video Therapy - Couples and individuals! I am a direct, tell-it-how-it-is therapist. I don't want you to be in therapy forever... we get straight to the root, do the work, get the skills you need and you become your own therapist. 8-10 sessions is the goal. If you're not ready to do the work, I'm not the therapist for you. But, if you're ready to step into courage and out of comfort, I'm ready to charge the storm with you. Couples like my straightforward approach, giving you the proven communication skills for healthier relationships. Do the hard, courageous thing and email me.
Accepting new clients/couples NOW- Online Video Therapy - Couples and individuals! I am a direct, tell-it-how-it-is therapist. I don't want you to be in therapy forever... we get straight to the root, do the work, get the skills you need and you become your own therapist. 8-10 sessions is the goal. If you're not ready to do the work, I'm not the therapist for you. But, if you're ready to step into courage and out of comfort, I'm ready to charge the storm with you. Couples like my straightforward approach, giving you the proven communication skills for healthier relationships. Do the hard, courageous thing and email me.
(562) 317-7556 View (562) 317-7556
Photo of Assaf Jaffe, Psychologist in North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA
Assaf Jaffe
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
Congratulations, starting the journey towards seeking help is one of the biggest step. My name is Assaf Jaffe and over the past 20 years it has been my privilege to walk alongside client working to make changes. Having trained in Holistic Therapy at Native American Health Center I have tremendous experience with trauma, anxiety, depression and treating addictive disorders.
Congratulations, starting the journey towards seeking help is one of the biggest step. My name is Assaf Jaffe and over the past 20 years it has been my privilege to walk alongside client working to make changes. Having trained in Holistic Therapy at Native American Health Center I have tremendous experience with trauma, anxiety, depression and treating addictive disorders.
(628) 225-4590 View (628) 225-4590

See more therapy options for North of Market (NoMa), San Francisco

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.