Therapists in South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA

Photo of Kathy Jarosz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA
Kathy Jarosz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA 94104
A passion is the work that I do with chronic pain (TMS) which can help even longtime sufferers reduce/eliminate pain.
Are you and your partner wanting help communicating? Feeling emotionally distant? Are you frustrated by the problems with your relationship? Has there been an affair or addiction? I am a Gottman Level 3 trained couples therapist and I can help! I can offer you some leading-edge tools and resources to kick-start change. If you both want the marriage to be saved, that's exactly what we will work toward. But, if one of you is uncertain if you want to save the marriage we can discuss "Discernment Counseling". You learn what it would take to turn it around before you decide to start couples therapy. Don't postpone getting help!
A passion is the work that I do with chronic pain (TMS) which can help even longtime sufferers reduce/eliminate pain.
Are you and your partner wanting help communicating? Feeling emotionally distant? Are you frustrated by the problems with your relationship? Has there been an affair or addiction? I am a Gottman Level 3 trained couples therapist and I can help! I can offer you some leading-edge tools and resources to kick-start change. If you both want the marriage to be saved, that's exactly what we will work toward. But, if one of you is uncertain if you want to save the marriage we can discuss "Discernment Counseling". You learn what it would take to turn it around before you decide to start couples therapy. Don't postpone getting help!
(650) 741-4387 View (650) 741-4387
Photo of Andrew Damian, Psychologist in South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA
Andrew Damian
Psychologist, PsyD, BCN
Verified Verified
South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA 94105
I am a licensed psychologist with expertise in neurofeedback, neuropsychology, chronic pain treatment, individual psychotherapy, meditation, and qEEG brain mapping. I am board certified in neurofeedback and I use cutting-edge techniques to determine the best treatment and to improve outcomes.
I am a licensed psychologist with expertise in neurofeedback, neuropsychology, chronic pain treatment, individual psychotherapy, meditation, and qEEG brain mapping. I am board certified in neurofeedback and I use cutting-edge techniques to determine the best treatment and to improve outcomes.
(628) 265-6274 View (628) 265-6274
Photo of Christina Frenzel, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA
Christina Frenzel
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA 94158  (Online Only)
I specialize in treating individuals, couples, and families affected by chronic illness (diabetes, autoimmune disorders, medical trauma, chronic pain), neurodivergence (ADHD, autism, anxiety, executive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation), and relationship issues (communication, codependency, social anxiety, dating, narcissistic abuse). I utilize a variety of evidence-based modalities tailored to every client’s unique and individual needs. My style is warm, nurturing, collaborative , and non-judgmental. I hope to support you in growing a deeper sense of awareness, creativity, connection, confidence, and purpose in your life.
I specialize in treating individuals, couples, and families affected by chronic illness (diabetes, autoimmune disorders, medical trauma, chronic pain), neurodivergence (ADHD, autism, anxiety, executive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation), and relationship issues (communication, codependency, social anxiety, dating, narcissistic abuse). I utilize a variety of evidence-based modalities tailored to every client’s unique and individual needs. My style is warm, nurturing, collaborative , and non-judgmental. I hope to support you in growing a deeper sense of awareness, creativity, connection, confidence, and purpose in your life.
(650) 910-5548 View (650) 910-5548
Photo of Elisa Ambrosia, Psychologist in South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA
Elisa Ambrosia
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA 94115
Together we can look at your challenges in direct and objective ways to help address that which prevents you from living fully. I enjoy working with people hoping to transform their lives and wanting to reconnect to their authentic self. I also work with techies and individuals struggling with medical illness and chronic conditions. Sessions will entail better understanding you, your tribulations, and that which no longer serves you.
Together we can look at your challenges in direct and objective ways to help address that which prevents you from living fully. I enjoy working with people hoping to transform their lives and wanting to reconnect to their authentic self. I also work with techies and individuals struggling with medical illness and chronic conditions. Sessions will entail better understanding you, your tribulations, and that which no longer serves you.
(310) 294-8264 View (310) 294-8264
Photo of Daniel M. Kaplan, Marriage & Family Therapist in South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA
Daniel M. Kaplan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA 94103  (Online Only)
Finding a therapist that can help can be a daunting endeavor. Finding one who specializes in hypnosis can be even more daunting. Allow me to assist you in the difficulties of your life so that together, we might generate relief and solutions to your ongoing pain. I also utilize mindfulness based cognitive therapy to help you move past 'problems' and realize solutions as well as collaborative solution oriented approaches to help you reach your goal, in collaborative, therapeutic conversations. Allow me to help you generate the very solutions and outcomes that will help you become 'unstuck' from hurtful or ineffective patterns.
Finding a therapist that can help can be a daunting endeavor. Finding one who specializes in hypnosis can be even more daunting. Allow me to assist you in the difficulties of your life so that together, we might generate relief and solutions to your ongoing pain. I also utilize mindfulness based cognitive therapy to help you move past 'problems' and realize solutions as well as collaborative solution oriented approaches to help you reach your goal, in collaborative, therapeutic conversations. Allow me to help you generate the very solutions and outcomes that will help you become 'unstuck' from hurtful or ineffective patterns.
(415) 813-5225 View (415) 813-5225
Photo of Ilene Rich-Holtzberg Ph.D., Psychologist in South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA
Ilene Rich-Holtzberg Ph.D.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA 94106
My specialty areas are substance abuse, couples issues, eating disorders, life coaching, bariatric surgery issues, infertility/adoption, helping caregivers cope with dealing with a loved one's chronic illness.
My focus is to develop a relationship with the client. This is called the two person model which is different than the old fashion practice where the doctor is one up and the client is one down. Rather, the two person model attempts to understand the client through questions and mutual discussion. I am not a silent therapist. I give feedback and remain fully engaged with the patient. Together we build a rapport. I adhere to a humanistic approach.
My specialty areas are substance abuse, couples issues, eating disorders, life coaching, bariatric surgery issues, infertility/adoption, helping caregivers cope with dealing with a loved one's chronic illness.
My focus is to develop a relationship with the client. This is called the two person model which is different than the old fashion practice where the doctor is one up and the client is one down. Rather, the two person model attempts to understand the client through questions and mutual discussion. I am not a silent therapist. I give feedback and remain fully engaged with the patient. Together we build a rapport. I adhere to a humanistic approach.
(415) 366-8999 View (415) 366-8999
Photo of Dr. Manisha Sudindranath, Psychologist in South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA
Dr. Manisha Sudindranath
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA 94105
Some of us experience extremely challenging, even terrible things in life, or we are not able to get over the pain or losses we have experienced in the past. I have studied and trained in the treatment of traumatic disturbances for over a decade and am passionate about helping people resolve symptoms that include: reliving or avoiding memories, negative moods and thoughts, and sometimes "dissociation" (feeling detached from oneself and others). I offer an effective psychotherapy method known as EMDR for addressing such symptoms, along with a compassionate, culturally sensitive approach to issues.
Some of us experience extremely challenging, even terrible things in life, or we are not able to get over the pain or losses we have experienced in the past. I have studied and trained in the treatment of traumatic disturbances for over a decade and am passionate about helping people resolve symptoms that include: reliving or avoiding memories, negative moods and thoughts, and sometimes "dissociation" (feeling detached from oneself and others). I offer an effective psychotherapy method known as EMDR for addressing such symptoms, along with a compassionate, culturally sensitive approach to issues.
(510) 431-9333 View (510) 431-9333
Photo of Anya V Kogan, Psychologist in South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA
Anya V Kogan
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA 94104
I help my clients address issues of anxiety, stress, depression, adjustment to life transitions and illness, as well as relationship difficulties.
Life is hard, and we often find ourselves unable to break away from unhelpful patterns of thinking, behaving, and relating to ourselves, others, and to the world. These repetitive patterns keep us stuck and prevent us from living a rich and meaningful life. I can help you get "unstuck" from unhelpful patterns, alleviate emotional suffering, clarify goals and values, and remove obstacles to living a more satisfying and meaningful life.
I help my clients address issues of anxiety, stress, depression, adjustment to life transitions and illness, as well as relationship difficulties.
Life is hard, and we often find ourselves unable to break away from unhelpful patterns of thinking, behaving, and relating to ourselves, others, and to the world. These repetitive patterns keep us stuck and prevent us from living a rich and meaningful life. I can help you get "unstuck" from unhelpful patterns, alleviate emotional suffering, clarify goals and values, and remove obstacles to living a more satisfying and meaningful life.
(415) 969-6014 View (415) 969-6014
Photo of Allycia Souza, Marriage & Family Therapist in South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA
Allycia Souza
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA 94101
My counseling style is compassionate, reflective, and rooted in radical self acceptance. My focus is on helping you accept the parts of yourself that are hard to tolerate and be at peace with. I have been a psychotherapist for 13 years and I am licensed in the state of California. I have worked with people from various backgrounds that grapple with differing issues, such as, depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain/illness, childhood abuse and trauma, relationship issues, parenting problems, grief, domestic violence and life transitions.
My counseling style is compassionate, reflective, and rooted in radical self acceptance. My focus is on helping you accept the parts of yourself that are hard to tolerate and be at peace with. I have been a psychotherapist for 13 years and I am licensed in the state of California. I have worked with people from various backgrounds that grapple with differing issues, such as, depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain/illness, childhood abuse and trauma, relationship issues, parenting problems, grief, domestic violence and life transitions.
(510) 674-1117 View (510) 674-1117
Photo of Amy Ruben, Marriage & Family Therapist in South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA
Amy Ruben
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA 94103  (Online Only)
In your therapy, we will explore the language of your body to gain insight into parts of yourself previously kept in your subconscious or under muscular holding, tension or pain.
Thank you for finding your way here. I believe we all have the innate ability to heal. My goal is to support clients in expanding their awareness of themselves and deepening into here-and-now experiences. When we meet, I will offer you an opportunity to work experientially, as well as to share through talking. Whatever approach we employ, I hope you will leave each session feeling supported and accompanied on your journey. I'm passionate about offering support to parents in the perinatal period (including trying to conceive, fertility treatment, pregnancy & pregnancy challenges/loss, birth, loss, postpartum and early parenthood.
In your therapy, we will explore the language of your body to gain insight into parts of yourself previously kept in your subconscious or under muscular holding, tension or pain.
Thank you for finding your way here. I believe we all have the innate ability to heal. My goal is to support clients in expanding their awareness of themselves and deepening into here-and-now experiences. When we meet, I will offer you an opportunity to work experientially, as well as to share through talking. Whatever approach we employ, I hope you will leave each session feeling supported and accompanied on your journey. I'm passionate about offering support to parents in the perinatal period (including trying to conceive, fertility treatment, pregnancy & pregnancy challenges/loss, birth, loss, postpartum and early parenthood.
(510) 876-9705 View (510) 876-9705
Photo of Athena Panzar, Psychologist in South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA
Athena Panzar
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA 94104  (Online Only)
I am a licensed psychologist providing compassionate evidenced-based psychotherapy to adults in the Bay Area. I specialize in helping people with difficulties like depression, anxiety, work stress, relationship problems, life transitions including pregnancy and parenthood, health problems and pain conditions. Through my work I aim to help people improve their well-being, self-fulfillment, health and relationships. I enjoy my work as a therapist immensely and feel honored to be given the opportunity to work with people during some of the more challenging times of their lives.
I am a licensed psychologist providing compassionate evidenced-based psychotherapy to adults in the Bay Area. I specialize in helping people with difficulties like depression, anxiety, work stress, relationship problems, life transitions including pregnancy and parenthood, health problems and pain conditions. Through my work I aim to help people improve their well-being, self-fulfillment, health and relationships. I enjoy my work as a therapist immensely and feel honored to be given the opportunity to work with people during some of the more challenging times of their lives.
(925) 568-8951 View (925) 568-8951
Photo of Alena Y. N. Gittens, Psychologist in South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA
Alena Y. N. Gittens
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA 94103  (Online Only)
Sometimes in life we get overwhelmed, feel stuck, and hopeless. Sometimes it can feel as though things keep piling up against us and it can be hard to feel complete. Some people may experience this emotionally, others more physically. Different things trigger these responses in us and make it hard for us to thrive. Whether it is the pandemic, trauma, depression, anxiety, family or relational conflict, self-esteem issues, racial injustice, or grief, having an outlet to make space for this discomfort can help alleviate the pain and move you towards a place of healing.
Sometimes in life we get overwhelmed, feel stuck, and hopeless. Sometimes it can feel as though things keep piling up against us and it can be hard to feel complete. Some people may experience this emotionally, others more physically. Different things trigger these responses in us and make it hard for us to thrive. Whether it is the pandemic, trauma, depression, anxiety, family or relational conflict, self-esteem issues, racial injustice, or grief, having an outlet to make space for this discomfort can help alleviate the pain and move you towards a place of healing.
(650) 337-3783 View (650) 337-3783
Photo of Roshini Kumar, Licensed Professional Counselor in South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA
Roshini Kumar
Licensed Professional Counselor, MRC, LPCC
Verified Verified
South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA 94103
Her therapeutic approach is also an excellent fit for those with chronic pain, life transition stress, body image concerns and social anxiety.
Roshini Kumar is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California who has been practicing since 2015. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Studio Art from Baylor University and a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling Psychology from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. As a licensed therapist and a certified Pilates instructor, Roshini values the holistic mind/body approach by using evidence-based therapies of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy alongside mindful movement.
Her therapeutic approach is also an excellent fit for those with chronic pain, life transition stress, body image concerns and social anxiety.
Roshini Kumar is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California who has been practicing since 2015. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Studio Art from Baylor University and a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling Psychology from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. As a licensed therapist and a certified Pilates instructor, Roshini values the holistic mind/body approach by using evidence-based therapies of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy alongside mindful movement.
(628) 500-8011 View (628) 500-8011
Photo of Dietmar Brinkmann, Marriage & Family Therapist in South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA
Dietmar Brinkmann
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA 94104
Are you overwhelmed by emotional turmoil? Is a relationship causing you pain? Do you feel stuck in anxiety or depression? As an expert in emotional resilience and relational wellbeing, I help you get in touch with what you deeply want and uncover internal resources that have been buried. I assist you in developing communication skills to navigate the complexities of friendship, family and work. From this place of strength, we create together a safe space in therapy to experience and express the full range of human emotions so that even the most difficult experiences and traumatic events can be processed.
Are you overwhelmed by emotional turmoil? Is a relationship causing you pain? Do you feel stuck in anxiety or depression? As an expert in emotional resilience and relational wellbeing, I help you get in touch with what you deeply want and uncover internal resources that have been buried. I assist you in developing communication skills to navigate the complexities of friendship, family and work. From this place of strength, we create together a safe space in therapy to experience and express the full range of human emotions so that even the most difficult experiences and traumatic events can be processed.
(415) 639-9029 View (415) 639-9029
Photo of Zlatena Theodore, Psychologist in South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA
Zlatena Theodore
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA 94104
The path to wellness can be challenging as your mental, emotional, and physical experiences all play a role in your overall welfare. I actively focus on the intersection between health and behavior to help optimize your well-being. I have specialized training in treating insomnia, chronic pain, weight management, adjustment to new diagnoses, and management of chronic health conditions. I also help individuals cope with psychological concerns, such as anxiety, depression, adjustment to life transitions, stress management, burnout, and relationship difficulties.
The path to wellness can be challenging as your mental, emotional, and physical experiences all play a role in your overall welfare. I actively focus on the intersection between health and behavior to help optimize your well-being. I have specialized training in treating insomnia, chronic pain, weight management, adjustment to new diagnoses, and management of chronic health conditions. I also help individuals cope with psychological concerns, such as anxiety, depression, adjustment to life transitions, stress management, burnout, and relationship difficulties.
(650) 337-3023 View (650) 337-3023
Photo of Anna Alper, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA
Anna Alper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA 94158  (Online Only)
I have extensive experience working in medical social work with patients who are battling cancer and helping with adjustment to illness, supporting caregivers, providing pre-bereavement & grief support.
I once heard this metaphor about the lotus flower: "The lotus flower grows deep in muddy waters, far away from the sun. In time the Lotus reaches the light and transforms into a beautiful flower." You may be faced with many challenges right now: stress, anxiety, a terminal diagnosis, or perhaps you are experiencing loss of a loved one. Like the lotus flower, it may seem that everything around you is dark and the light seems very distant. It is my passion to help get you through that muddy water and help you bloom into the beautiful lotus that I know you are.
I have extensive experience working in medical social work with patients who are battling cancer and helping with adjustment to illness, supporting caregivers, providing pre-bereavement & grief support.
I once heard this metaphor about the lotus flower: "The lotus flower grows deep in muddy waters, far away from the sun. In time the Lotus reaches the light and transforms into a beautiful flower." You may be faced with many challenges right now: stress, anxiety, a terminal diagnosis, or perhaps you are experiencing loss of a loved one. Like the lotus flower, it may seem that everything around you is dark and the light seems very distant. It is my passion to help get you through that muddy water and help you bloom into the beautiful lotus that I know you are.
(650) 590-8869 View (650) 590-8869
Photo of Mirjam Afeni Hatton, Psychologist in South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA
Mirjam Afeni Hatton
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA 94105  (Online Only)
, combat, childhood, race-based, sexual, and military sexual), depression, anxiety, grief/loss, substance abuse and severe mental illness.
Clients have described me as collaborative and compassionate within my strength-based multicultural approach to therapy. You may experience a disconnect from yourself and others that leaves you feeling isolated and limited within your options. Difficult life circumstances, including trauma or harsh self-criticism can lead to rejecting parts of yourself and collaboratively we can work on understanding and reclaiming your identity. Together we will build upon your strengths and recover a sense of hope. I’d be honored to accompany you on your journey to healing from various obstacles in your life.
, combat, childhood, race-based, sexual, and military sexual), depression, anxiety, grief/loss, substance abuse and severe mental illness.
Clients have described me as collaborative and compassionate within my strength-based multicultural approach to therapy. You may experience a disconnect from yourself and others that leaves you feeling isolated and limited within your options. Difficult life circumstances, including trauma or harsh self-criticism can lead to rejecting parts of yourself and collaboratively we can work on understanding and reclaiming your identity. Together we will build upon your strengths and recover a sense of hope. I’d be honored to accompany you on your journey to healing from various obstacles in your life.
(818) 666-2428 View (818) 666-2428
Photo of Sarah Dihmes, Psychologist in South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA
Sarah Dihmes
Psychologist, PhD, BCB
Verified Verified
South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA 94103
Dr. Dihmes is a licensed clinical psychologist one of the few board certified biofeedback psychologists in Northern California. With specialties in life stressors, executive coaching, psychophysiology, and teens, she has expertise in working with various psychological concerns including depression, anxiety, life transitions and chronic illness. Dr. Dihmes' integrates evidence-based treatments such as CBT and mindfulness-based interventions, with consideration for each patient’s unique cultural, biological, and psychological background. Dr. Dihmes is now accepting new clients in California and New York!
Dr. Dihmes is a licensed clinical psychologist one of the few board certified biofeedback psychologists in Northern California. With specialties in life stressors, executive coaching, psychophysiology, and teens, she has expertise in working with various psychological concerns including depression, anxiety, life transitions and chronic illness. Dr. Dihmes' integrates evidence-based treatments such as CBT and mindfulness-based interventions, with consideration for each patient’s unique cultural, biological, and psychological background. Dr. Dihmes is now accepting new clients in California and New York!
(415) 799-5164 View (415) 799-5164
Photo of J Lynne Heart Coach in South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA
J Lynne Heart Coach
MSW, CHT
Verified Verified
South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA 94103  (Online Only)
Are you in pain? Do you feel stuck? Get help to lose the weight or to quit smoking now.
Coach J. Lynne specializes in women's facilitation. Feel deeply calm and see clearly within to feel healing. Clients often see into their own real-time observation of their life from deep inside. She guides individuals ready to change, through the process of changing, helping them land in their new lifestyle of a healed outlook and feeling better. This typically feels good, gaining new confidence, freedom from pain (physical or emotional), and quitting bad habits such as smoking, binge-eating, and other compulsions such as hand-washing or codependency. If you are ready to take action and make a change Coach J. Lynne is a fit!
Are you in pain? Do you feel stuck? Get help to lose the weight or to quit smoking now.
Coach J. Lynne specializes in women's facilitation. Feel deeply calm and see clearly within to feel healing. Clients often see into their own real-time observation of their life from deep inside. She guides individuals ready to change, through the process of changing, helping them land in their new lifestyle of a healed outlook and feeling better. This typically feels good, gaining new confidence, freedom from pain (physical or emotional), and quitting bad habits such as smoking, binge-eating, and other compulsions such as hand-washing or codependency. If you are ready to take action and make a change Coach J. Lynne is a fit!
(530) 207-8934 View (530) 207-8934
Photo of Aliah Kristin Mestrovich Seay, Marriage & Family Therapist in South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA
Aliah Kristin Mestrovich Seay
Marriage & Family Therapist, LCMFT, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South of Market (SoMa), San Francisco, CA 94104
I work with clients with a wide range of concerns and identities including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, relationship issues, neurodiversity (ADHD and Autism), and other developmental disabilities, vocational stress, chronic illness, women’s issues, infertility and disability-related work and school-place barriers. I have experience working with individuals from historically underrepresented underserved communities, international clients, interracial couples and families, women, immigrants/refugees as well as the LGBTQIA+ community.
I work with clients with a wide range of concerns and identities including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, relationship issues, neurodiversity (ADHD and Autism), and other developmental disabilities, vocational stress, chronic illness, women’s issues, infertility and disability-related work and school-place barriers. I have experience working with individuals from historically underrepresented underserved communities, international clients, interracial couples and families, women, immigrants/refugees as well as the LGBTQIA+ community.
(785) 465-2487 View (785) 465-2487

See more therapy options for South of Market (SoMa), 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.