Photo of Ilene Rich-Holtzberg Ph.D., Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Ilene Rich-Holtzberg Ph.D.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104
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 Michelle Takemoto, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Michelle Takemoto
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94127  (Online Only)
Therapy will open new doors for you, allow you to gain insight into your struggles, and create movement toward healing. I specialize in supporting women, families, and couples through difficult times such as parenting, chronic illness, marriage conflicts, grief and loss, parenting children with disabilities, cultural loss and trauma, anxiety/depression, and work-related stressors. Recovery and leading a life of fulfillment is truly possible. Take the first step toward finding hope and leading an authentic, love-filled life.
Therapy will open new doors for you, allow you to gain insight into your struggles, and create movement toward healing. I specialize in supporting women, families, and couples through difficult times such as parenting, chronic illness, marriage conflicts, grief and loss, parenting children with disabilities, cultural loss and trauma, anxiety/depression, and work-related stressors. Recovery and leading a life of fulfillment is truly possible. Take the first step toward finding hope and leading an authentic, love-filled life.
(707) 532-2360 View (707) 532-2360
Photo of Michelle Susan Webber, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Michelle Susan Webber
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
I have worked with couples, individuals, and families, adolescents in crisis, the LGBTQ+ community, women in treatment, addicts/recovering addicts, HIV and AIDS, sufferers of chronic pain, people dealing with grief and loss, and those interested in pursuing mindfulness.
Licensed in both California and Connecticut - Psychotherapist, Addiction Specialist and Life Coach. Living life to the fullest is an adventure. It takes courage to go forward, to harness the power within. This is where Psychotherapy and Life Coaching meet. This is an opportunity to help you make smart choices and assist you in finding a sense of peace and acceptance while you move forward in your life. I am available to help you reach your personal and professional goals. I have studied mindfulness and work with clients who want to know more about it and embrace it. I look forward to hearing from you.
I have worked with couples, individuals, and families, adolescents in crisis, the LGBTQ+ community, women in treatment, addicts/recovering addicts, HIV and AIDS, sufferers of chronic pain, people dealing with grief and loss, and those interested in pursuing mindfulness.
Licensed in both California and Connecticut - Psychotherapist, Addiction Specialist and Life Coach. Living life to the fullest is an adventure. It takes courage to go forward, to harness the power within. This is where Psychotherapy and Life Coaching meet. This is an opportunity to help you make smart choices and assist you in finding a sense of peace and acceptance while you move forward in your life. I am available to help you reach your personal and professional goals. I have studied mindfulness and work with clients who want to know more about it and embrace it. I look forward to hearing from you.
(323) 523-5957 View (323) 523-5957
Photo of Nate Hinerman, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Nate Hinerman
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
Nate Hinerman, PhD, LMFT, is Dean of Undergraduate Programs at Golden Gate University, San Francisco, where he is also a tenured Professor of Psychology, as well as the Chair of the Psychology Department. He is also on the faculty at the University of San Francisco, teaching in the Nursing School, and in the Religious Studies Department. He serves as Chair of the San Francisco End of Life Network, a community-based support and education group for hospice and palliative care professionals and patients, now in its 23rd year (www.sfeol.org).
Nate Hinerman, PhD, LMFT, is Dean of Undergraduate Programs at Golden Gate University, San Francisco, where he is also a tenured Professor of Psychology, as well as the Chair of the Psychology Department. He is also on the faculty at the University of San Francisco, teaching in the Nursing School, and in the Religious Studies Department. He serves as Chair of the San Francisco End of Life Network, a community-based support and education group for hospice and palliative care professionals and patients, now in its 23rd year (www.sfeol.org).
(628) 215-8084 View (628) 215-8084
Photo of Sterling Walker, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Sterling Walker
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
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
Gaylesta, Psych Assn for Gender & Sexual Diversity
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, PsyD, LMFT, LCSW, LPCC
Verified Verified
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 Peggy Kwok, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Peggy Kwok
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MA, RYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
I provide phone and online sessions, please contact me by emails. I have 16 years of experience working with individuals and couples. To me, therapy is a form of healing that helps us find balance and psychological flexibility through a therapeutic process. Whether it is learning more coping skills or arriving to a new insight about ourselves, it is a journey of understanding our lives better. Through that journey, we will learn WHEN and WHAT to let go or to keep. Exploring what serve us purpose now, even the negative behaviors, can help us understand our past, present and future.
I provide phone and online sessions, please contact me by emails. I have 16 years of experience working with individuals and couples. To me, therapy is a form of healing that helps us find balance and psychological flexibility through a therapeutic process. Whether it is learning more coping skills or arriving to a new insight about ourselves, it is a journey of understanding our lives better. Through that journey, we will learn WHEN and WHAT to let go or to keep. Exploring what serve us purpose now, even the negative behaviors, can help us understand our past, present and future.
(650) 727-5390 View (650) 727-5390
Photo of Kayla Haberern, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in San Francisco, CA
Kayla Haberern
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC, R-DMT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
Welcome to Feet in the Sand Holistic Therapy! Whether you are seeking therapy for yourself, a child, or your family, this can be a very difficult process, so I honor your wisdom and your steps in your healing journey. With many years of experience, I specialize in working with infants and children, families, and pregnant and postpartum women. I deeply care about you as a client and my heart is truly in this work.
Welcome to Feet in the Sand Holistic Therapy! Whether you are seeking therapy for yourself, a child, or your family, this can be a very difficult process, so I honor your wisdom and your steps in your healing journey. With many years of experience, I specialize in working with infants and children, families, and pregnant and postpartum women. I deeply care about you as a client and my heart is truly in this work.
(628) 257-8438 View (628) 257-8438
Photo of Dr Jonathon Gray MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Dr Jonathon Gray MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110
The most important thing in working with me is your positive desire to change. Given that I'll bring you into the office, we will discuss your issues of concern and design and implement suggestions to create growth , understanding and lasting solutions. Many clients see me once for behavior change through hypnotherapy. Others see me for ongoing psychotherapy appointments. Some clients combine both modalities to insure continued growth and change. I am optimistic about the possibilities of health and healing through our work together. After forty years in practice I remain committed to my clients and their work with me
The most important thing in working with me is your positive desire to change. Given that I'll bring you into the office, we will discuss your issues of concern and design and implement suggestions to create growth , understanding and lasting solutions. Many clients see me once for behavior change through hypnotherapy. Others see me for ongoing psychotherapy appointments. Some clients combine both modalities to insure continued growth and change. I am optimistic about the possibilities of health and healing through our work together. After forty years in practice I remain committed to my clients and their work with me
(415) 630-5741 View (415) 630-5741
Photo of David A Thomson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
David A Thomson, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD, CAS
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
Do you feel that your everyday challenges are beginning to overwhelm you? Have you set goals for yourself, but you have not been able to achieve them? The solution is in sight. With skill, professionalism, empathy, and compassion I can help you to achieve your goals and the life that you want. Because you are a unique individual, I will tailor my treatment methods to fit your unique situation and needs. I believe that we all have what it takes to meet and conquer life's many challenges and difficulties.
Do you feel that your everyday challenges are beginning to overwhelm you? Have you set goals for yourself, but you have not been able to achieve them? The solution is in sight. With skill, professionalism, empathy, and compassion I can help you to achieve your goals and the life that you want. Because you are a unique individual, I will tailor my treatment methods to fit your unique situation and needs. I believe that we all have what it takes to meet and conquer life's many challenges and difficulties.
(415) 508-8805 View (415) 508-8805
Photo of Sterling Walker, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Sterling Walker
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
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) 980-8479 View (415) 980-8479
Photo of Therapy Lab San Francisco, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Therapy Lab San Francisco
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94112  (Online Only)
Therapy Lab offers individual teletherapy that's based on a plan. Visit our website (therapylab.com) to explore a menu of treatment plans based on common goals for therapy. With your input, we'll make a plan that's based on your goals, your timeline, and your budget. Our science-based plans are designed to support you in overcoming distress (anxiety, relationship problems, work stress) so you walk away with emotional health and insight. At your first session, your exceptionally qualified therapist will get to know you and pick or design a plan that’s customized to your situation.
Therapy Lab offers individual teletherapy that's based on a plan. Visit our website (therapylab.com) to explore a menu of treatment plans based on common goals for therapy. With your input, we'll make a plan that's based on your goals, your timeline, and your budget. Our science-based plans are designed to support you in overcoming distress (anxiety, relationship problems, work stress) so you walk away with emotional health and insight. At your first session, your exceptionally qualified therapist will get to know you and pick or design a plan that’s customized to your situation.
(213) 376-3455 View (213) 376-3455
Photo of Candace Kavanagh, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Candace Kavanagh
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94121
I love working with teens, families, couples and adults from 18 to 25. I specialize working LGBTQIA+ persons exploring identity and connection to their community. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, difficulty with motivation and doom scrolling.
I love working with teens, families, couples and adults from 18 to 25. I specialize working LGBTQIA+ persons exploring identity and connection to their community. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, difficulty with motivation and doom scrolling.
(415) 234-5098 View (415) 234-5098
Photo of Honeycomb Wellness Group, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Honeycomb Wellness Group
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
We believe that the value of your health goes beyond just your physical health. Emotional, psychological and social health are important in creating overall health and well being. It is our goal at Honeycomb Group to help you become the person, couple or family you want to be, and uncover your full potential.
We believe that the value of your health goes beyond just your physical health. Emotional, psychological and social health are important in creating overall health and well being. It is our goal at Honeycomb Group to help you become the person, couple or family you want to be, and uncover your full potential.
(415) 338-9366 View (415) 338-9366
Brown Therapy Center
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
We work with a diverse population of adult individuals, couples, and special interest groups who may be struggling with any number of mental health challenges related to anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship issues, and substance abuse, among others. We are committed to providing culturally competent care across the spectrum of age, race, gender, sexuality, religion, and background.
We work with a diverse population of adult individuals, couples, and special interest groups who may be struggling with any number of mental health challenges related to anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship issues, and substance abuse, among others. We are committed to providing culturally competent care across the spectrum of age, race, gender, sexuality, religion, and background.
(415) 849-7242 View (415) 849-7242
Photo of Lara Morales Daitter @ The Connective, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Lara Morales Daitter @ The Connective
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
As a therapist, my work revolves around helping individuals and families understand and navigate their relational dynamics. My clients are often curious about exploring the complexities of their personality and how it manifests in their relationships. I believe that a willingness to be open-minded and introspective is key to making progress in therapy. In addition to working with individuals, I also have experience working with families who are struggling to build healthier relationships with one another. Whether it's communication issues or other challenges, I'm dedicated to helping families find solutions that work for them.
As a therapist, my work revolves around helping individuals and families understand and navigate their relational dynamics. My clients are often curious about exploring the complexities of their personality and how it manifests in their relationships. I believe that a willingness to be open-minded and introspective is key to making progress in therapy. In addition to working with individuals, I also have experience working with families who are struggling to build healthier relationships with one another. Whether it's communication issues or other challenges, I'm dedicated to helping families find solutions that work for them.
(628) 313-4275 x712 View (628) 313-4275 x712
Photo of Caroline Lewis, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Caroline Lewis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MIM
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
You may be feeling anxious, struggling with sleep, and are desiring healthier and more connected relationships. Deep down there is another part of you that desires more fulfillment, less anxiety, and inner confidence. I can help you. I successfully support my clients in developing new inner resources to have greater relationship success and a holistic health toolbox to not just survive but instead to thrive. My expertise includes working with highly sensitive adults, couples, and families.
You may be feeling anxious, struggling with sleep, and are desiring healthier and more connected relationships. Deep down there is another part of you that desires more fulfillment, less anxiety, and inner confidence. I can help you. I successfully support my clients in developing new inner resources to have greater relationship success and a holistic health toolbox to not just survive but instead to thrive. My expertise includes working with highly sensitive adults, couples, and families.
(970) 478-9160 View (970) 478-9160
Photo of Campbell Teen & Family Therapy, Inc. , Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Campbell Teen & Family Therapy, Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94112
Isolation is hard. Being a Teen is hard. School pressure to perform well is high. Liking your body often seems impossible. Socializing has challenges. Past bullying can be traumatic. Do you want to learn knew coping skills? Do you need to heal from past events that are painful? Do you want to reduce your stress? Parenting a teen is hard, there is no manual and not as much parent contact as in elementary school. Getting enough self care as a parent can seem impossible but it is necessary, especially in the time of the COVID crisis. Telehealth is available!
Isolation is hard. Being a Teen is hard. School pressure to perform well is high. Liking your body often seems impossible. Socializing has challenges. Past bullying can be traumatic. Do you want to learn knew coping skills? Do you need to heal from past events that are painful? Do you want to reduce your stress? Parenting a teen is hard, there is no manual and not as much parent contact as in elementary school. Getting enough self care as a parent can seem impossible but it is necessary, especially in the time of the COVID crisis. Telehealth is available!
(669) 221-8646 View (669) 221-8646
Photo of Ben Chris Shuts, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Ben Chris Shuts
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94103  (Online Only)
I offer a down-to-Earth, easy-to-access approach. Therapy can facilitate achievement of your life goals, help you move through transitions with ease, and peacefully nurture ongoing relationships. Offering a compassionate and collaborative environment, I can help you develop coping strategies that promote acceptance and healing.
I offer a down-to-Earth, easy-to-access approach. Therapy can facilitate achievement of your life goals, help you move through transitions with ease, and peacefully nurture ongoing relationships. Offering a compassionate and collaborative environment, I can help you develop coping strategies that promote acceptance and healing.
(415) 598-9194 View (415) 598-9194
Photo of Elyse Sg Bart, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Elyse Sg Bart
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
As an Integrative Psychotherapist, I base my approach from the relational work of Psychodynamic Therapy and integrate forms of Attachment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, CBT, DBT, Mindfulness Practices, Parts Work, Addiction and Trauma work - all based in Social Justice. I fully believe that every individual has the power and strength they need to actualize the changes they want, and can shift the old and new narratives of established stories and patterns of their daily lives.
As an Integrative Psychotherapist, I base my approach from the relational work of Psychodynamic Therapy and integrate forms of Attachment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, CBT, DBT, Mindfulness Practices, Parts Work, Addiction and Trauma work - all based in Social Justice. I fully believe that every individual has the power and strength they need to actualize the changes they want, and can shift the old and new narratives of established stories and patterns of their daily lives.
(510) 394-1740 View (510) 394-1740

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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.