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 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 Two Chairs - San Francisco/Oakland, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Two Chairs - San Francisco/Oakland
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, PsyD, LCSW, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104
Two Chairs was founded in 2017 with a mission to build a world where everyone has access to exceptional mental healthcare. We're creating a better experience for both patients and clinicians by starting with an in-depth, research-backed matching process to ensure the ideal patient-therapist fit, offering hybrid care that gives patients and clinicians flexibility between in-person and virtual sessions, and measuring outcomes to ensure patients get better faster.
Two Chairs was founded in 2017 with a mission to build a world where everyone has access to exceptional mental healthcare. We're creating a better experience for both patients and clinicians by starting with an in-depth, research-backed matching process to ensure the ideal patient-therapist fit, offering hybrid care that gives patients and clinicians flexibility between in-person and virtual sessions, and measuring outcomes to ensure patients get better faster.
(628) 265-6950 View (628) 265-6950
Photo of Laura Beann, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Laura Beann
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
I approach psychotherapy from a whole-person perspective and I believe therapy, along with other practices, can help us awaken to a life of meaning. In therapy I will help you identify the source of your longing to be whole, and together, we will move closer to that source, so you become re-sourced. Together we will explore your innate natural cycles and help you align to your own rhythm, so that you might meet depletion with rest and energy with creativity.
I approach psychotherapy from a whole-person perspective and I believe therapy, along with other practices, can help us awaken to a life of meaning. In therapy I will help you identify the source of your longing to be whole, and together, we will move closer to that source, so you become re-sourced. Together we will explore your innate natural cycles and help you align to your own rhythm, so that you might meet depletion with rest and energy with creativity.
(650) 547-3560 View (650) 547-3560

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 649-9274 View (415) 649-9274
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 612-3629 View (415) 612-3629
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 449-5206 View (415) 449-5206
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 612-3556 View (415) 612-3556
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 903-4894 View (415) 903-4894
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 985-7193 View (415) 985-7193
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 484-0997 View (415) 484-0997
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 548-4519 View (415) 548-4519
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 941-3083 View (415) 941-3083
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 649-9458 View (415) 649-9458
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 949-2547 View (415) 949-2547
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 949-3802 View (415) 949-3802
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 498-1907 View (415) 498-1907
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 650-5245 View (415) 650-5245
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 949-6514 View (415) 949-6514
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 996-1740 View (415) 996-1740

See more therapy options for 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.