Photo of Ana Dubey, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Ana Dubey
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
I offer you 20+ years of client experience and, diverse life experience (6 countries, 3 languages). I am a good listener, and will work hard to help you achieve a happier, healthier balance. My clients have spanned different ages (child/family, students, adults, elders), incomes (homeless, professionals), sexual orientations (Hetero, LGBT), and different backgrounds ("American", Asian, Latino, African American). My client's issues have included trauma, depression, chronic mental illness, anxiety, grief, relationships, life transitions, dissatisfaction, adjustment challenges, and creative block
I offer you 20+ years of client experience and, diverse life experience (6 countries, 3 languages). I am a good listener, and will work hard to help you achieve a happier, healthier balance. My clients have spanned different ages (child/family, students, adults, elders), incomes (homeless, professionals), sexual orientations (Hetero, LGBT), and different backgrounds ("American", Asian, Latino, African American). My client's issues have included trauma, depression, chronic mental illness, anxiety, grief, relationships, life transitions, dissatisfaction, adjustment challenges, and creative block
(415) 877-4792 View (415) 877-4792
Photo of Alison Murphey, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Alison Murphey, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
As a therapist specializing in anxiety, chronic health and pain conditions, trauma, and addiction, I have the expertise you need to get on the road to the peace, and fulfillment you deserve.
Do you feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, anger or defeat, as a result of a significant life change or past trauma? Maybe a relationship has ended or a new phase of life has just begun. Perhaps you’re living with the long-term effects of abuse, pain, or other traumatic experience. You may feel out of control & unsafe of your life or emotions, anxious about even the smallest things, or like you just can’t find your footing. Eventually, these things start to overflow into other areas of life: your relationships, work, and decisions about the future. Despite how hard things are right now, you know there’s more to life than this.
As a therapist specializing in anxiety, chronic health and pain conditions, trauma, and addiction, I have the expertise you need to get on the road to the peace, and fulfillment you deserve.
Do you feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, anger or defeat, as a result of a significant life change or past trauma? Maybe a relationship has ended or a new phase of life has just begun. Perhaps you’re living with the long-term effects of abuse, pain, or other traumatic experience. You may feel out of control & unsafe of your life or emotions, anxious about even the smallest things, or like you just can’t find your footing. Eventually, these things start to overflow into other areas of life: your relationships, work, and decisions about the future. Despite how hard things are right now, you know there’s more to life than this.
(747) 477-8649 View (747) 477-8649
Photo of Sophie Lew, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Sophie Lew
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specialized in providing psychotherapy to teens, adults, and couples. I work with clients who are experiencing emotional, behavioral, and/or interpersonal challenges to optimize mental health and wellness. My approach is compassionate and collaborative, largely based on psychodynamic, mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral, and interpersonal modalities. My hope is to help decrease emotional suffering, enhance your relationships, and work towards meaningful change.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specialized in providing psychotherapy to teens, adults, and couples. I work with clients who are experiencing emotional, behavioral, and/or interpersonal challenges to optimize mental health and wellness. My approach is compassionate and collaborative, largely based on psychodynamic, mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral, and interpersonal modalities. My hope is to help decrease emotional suffering, enhance your relationships, and work towards meaningful change.
(617) 807-0884 View (617) 807-0884
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 CK Olivieri Blackmore, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
CK Olivieri Blackmore
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
(518) 269-5458 View (518) 269-5458
Photo of Estepha Francisque, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Estepha Francisque
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
I do free consultations with clients and instant online scheduling because getting help shouldn't wait for a call back. I am here for you, to walk along side you or your family through the toughest moments. We will laugh together, cry together, and heal together. Most importantly, we will grow together.
I do free consultations with clients and instant online scheduling because getting help shouldn't wait for a call back. I am here for you, to walk along side you or your family through the toughest moments. We will laugh together, cry together, and heal together. Most importantly, we will grow together.
(415) 326-7312 View (415) 326-7312
Photo of Lauren Bryan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Lauren Bryan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
We will work together to help navigate life stresses and upsetting events in order to find your healing journey. Through our time together we will explore past/current wounds, life's difficulties, and future desires to help build mind, body, and spiritual connections. If you are seeking and wanting to integrate faith into our time together, I am honored to have this as a centering piece of our time together.
We will work together to help navigate life stresses and upsetting events in order to find your healing journey. Through our time together we will explore past/current wounds, life's difficulties, and future desires to help build mind, body, and spiritual connections. If you are seeking and wanting to integrate faith into our time together, I am honored to have this as a centering piece of our time together.
(619) 350-0461 View (619) 350-0461
Photo of Mary K. Bryan, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Mary K. Bryan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94111  (Online Only)
My experience over the past 20+ years has been in helping people cope and grow as a result of painful, confusing, conflict-filled or frightening patterns and/or life experiences. I am gentle and respectful and provide a safe and supportive environment that ensures emotional safety. In light of the the pandemic, I'm offering virtual, video-conference sessions over a HIPPA-compliant, online meeting site, Doxy.
My experience over the past 20+ years has been in helping people cope and grow as a result of painful, confusing, conflict-filled or frightening patterns and/or life experiences. I am gentle and respectful and provide a safe and supportive environment that ensures emotional safety. In light of the the pandemic, I'm offering virtual, video-conference sessions over a HIPPA-compliant, online meeting site, Doxy.
(415) 384-5209 View (415) 384-5209
Photo of Rabia Khara, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Rabia Khara
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, MFT, PCC, RDT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
As a clinician, the therapeutic process is only meaningful and complete with the reciprocity and engagement of those I work with. Each individual is unique and their stories are interwoven with a rich tapestry of diverse emotions. By balancing the abstract, creative, philosophical, and introspective aspects of life with friendliness, compassion, empathy and care, I walk the path with you on your journey toward peace and happiness.
As a clinician, the therapeutic process is only meaningful and complete with the reciprocity and engagement of those I work with. Each individual is unique and their stories are interwoven with a rich tapestry of diverse emotions. By balancing the abstract, creative, philosophical, and introspective aspects of life with friendliness, compassion, empathy and care, I walk the path with you on your journey toward peace and happiness.
(215) 709-9225 View (215) 709-9225

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Neda Nguyen Baraghani, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Neda Nguyen Baraghani
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
I am passionate about working with those who struggle with relationships and boundary setting, and clients who struggle with balancing differing sets of expectations due to cultural, physical, or mental factors. I also work with couples from differing backgrounds to deepen mutual understanding and couples struggling through a difficult phase in their relationship looking to increase communication and understanding. I work well with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, immigrant and first and second generation individuals and families, mixed race or multicultural individuals, and those who are struggling with chronic illness.
I am passionate about working with those who struggle with relationships and boundary setting, and clients who struggle with balancing differing sets of expectations due to cultural, physical, or mental factors. I also work with couples from differing backgrounds to deepen mutual understanding and couples struggling through a difficult phase in their relationship looking to increase communication and understanding. I work well with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, immigrant and first and second generation individuals and families, mixed race or multicultural individuals, and those who are struggling with chronic illness.
(510) 800-2874 View (510) 800-2874
Photo of Zara Drapkin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Zara Drapkin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
Finding the right therapist can be daunting, and for some, it can be the most difficult step. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation so that you can assess if we are the right fit. I work with teens and adults presenting with concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/ loss, chronic health concerns, relationship issues, and life transitions. In our work together we will explore your strengths and root you in them. We will define your values and explore how to live your life in harmony with them. We will also create space for the areas in your life where you want change and navigate the path to get you there.
Finding the right therapist can be daunting, and for some, it can be the most difficult step. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation so that you can assess if we are the right fit. I work with teens and adults presenting with concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/ loss, chronic health concerns, relationship issues, and life transitions. In our work together we will explore your strengths and root you in them. We will define your values and explore how to live your life in harmony with them. We will also create space for the areas in your life where you want change and navigate the path to get you there.
(510) 422-0057 View (510) 422-0057
Photo of Jennifer Martin, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Jennifer Martin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94620  (Online Only)
I graduated from California Institute of Integral Studies with a Masters in Counseling Psychology, and have done extensive training in Person-Centered Expressive Arts. My clinical background includes focus on community based mental health, family and child therapy, grief and loss, and complex trauma. I currently work in private practice and also as a supervisor at a community based mental health agency.
I graduated from California Institute of Integral Studies with a Masters in Counseling Psychology, and have done extensive training in Person-Centered Expressive Arts. My clinical background includes focus on community based mental health, family and child therapy, grief and loss, and complex trauma. I currently work in private practice and also as a supervisor at a community based mental health agency.
(510) 439-9875 View (510) 439-9875
Photo of Maggie B. de Vera, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Maggie B. de Vera
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD(c), LMFT, CCHT, CLC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Daly City, CA 94015
Maggie de Vera is a respected Holistic Practitioner, Therapist, Clinical Supervisor, Life Coach, Trainer & Consultant in the Bay Area. Backed with over 30+ years of extensive experience, education/training and leadership, Maggie is acclaimed in her field for effective work with the most challenging cases and runs a private practice as a Psychotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Sex Therapist, Life Coach, Speaker/Trainer, Consultant and also the Founder & President/CEO of a Non-profit Agency serving the disadvantaged & high-risk. Maggie focuses on supporting/ empowering her clients to heal and grow to create a healthy & positive life
Maggie de Vera is a respected Holistic Practitioner, Therapist, Clinical Supervisor, Life Coach, Trainer & Consultant in the Bay Area. Backed with over 30+ years of extensive experience, education/training and leadership, Maggie is acclaimed in her field for effective work with the most challenging cases and runs a private practice as a Psychotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Sex Therapist, Life Coach, Speaker/Trainer, Consultant and also the Founder & President/CEO of a Non-profit Agency serving the disadvantaged & high-risk. Maggie focuses on supporting/ empowering her clients to heal and grow to create a healthy & positive life
(415) 237-2396 View (415) 237-2396
Photo of Zelaika Hepworth Clarke, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Zelaika Hepworth Clarke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, MSW, MEd
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
I am a non-judgmental listener that can assist you in creating new alternatives for overcoming life's obstacles. I enjoy facilitating liberation, decreasing internalized oppression, disrupting trauma, transforming survivors into thrivers, sparking empowering epiphanies, overcoming challenges, increasing self-awareness, support healing and growth. In addition to being a clinical social worker, I am also a clinical sexologist that specializes in sexual literacy, treating sexual challenges, affirming pleasure and diversity.
I am a non-judgmental listener that can assist you in creating new alternatives for overcoming life's obstacles. I enjoy facilitating liberation, decreasing internalized oppression, disrupting trauma, transforming survivors into thrivers, sparking empowering epiphanies, overcoming challenges, increasing self-awareness, support healing and growth. In addition to being a clinical social worker, I am also a clinical sexologist that specializes in sexual literacy, treating sexual challenges, affirming pleasure and diversity.
(510) 394-4867 View (510) 394-4867

Online Therapists

Photo of Talia Chanoff, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Talia Chanoff
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602
I also hold vast experience supporting individuals experiencing PTSD, chronic illness, chronic pain, eating disorders and those struggling with a complicated relationship with food.
I am here to be present with you as you explore and process how the vast injustices in the world may be affecting your internal states. Together we can examine the question: Is there something “wrong” with me as an individual, or do we live in an inequitable society that causes emotional and often generational trauma? Our trauma can lead to behaviors that do not ultimately serve us or align with our core values—but there is room to heal. Your ancestral roots, intersecting identities, and cultural practices are an honor for me to make space for in our work together.
I also hold vast experience supporting individuals experiencing PTSD, chronic illness, chronic pain, eating disorders and those struggling with a complicated relationship with food.
I am here to be present with you as you explore and process how the vast injustices in the world may be affecting your internal states. Together we can examine the question: Is there something “wrong” with me as an individual, or do we live in an inequitable society that causes emotional and often generational trauma? Our trauma can lead to behaviors that do not ultimately serve us or align with our core values—but there is room to heal. Your ancestral roots, intersecting identities, and cultural practices are an honor for me to make space for in our work together.
(415) 319-9235 View (415) 319-9235
Photo of Shelley M Samuels, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in San Francisco, CA
Shelley M Samuels
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602  (Online Only)
And, Life Transitions: individuals working through grief and loss, living with chronic pain; helping survivors healing from socio-political trauma; and promoting positive aging.
Therapy is neither magic nor science, but I believe that therapy has the potential to be magical and transformative. I offer a warm, supportive environment to help individuals explore deep trauma as well as ordinary issues that impact daily life and long-term goals. I strive to inspire creativity through nature, and incorporate creative arts into my practice. My specialties: LGBTQQ issues/identity, working through grief/loss, helping with political wounding, healing survivors of domestic violence/sexual assault, positive aging, body image, building long-term relationships, and life transitions. A veteran career counselor, I've over 7 years of experience providing career counseling and coaching.
And, Life Transitions: individuals working through grief and loss, living with chronic pain; helping survivors healing from socio-political trauma; and promoting positive aging.
Therapy is neither magic nor science, but I believe that therapy has the potential to be magical and transformative. I offer a warm, supportive environment to help individuals explore deep trauma as well as ordinary issues that impact daily life and long-term goals. I strive to inspire creativity through nature, and incorporate creative arts into my practice. My specialties: LGBTQQ issues/identity, working through grief/loss, helping with political wounding, healing survivors of domestic violence/sexual assault, positive aging, body image, building long-term relationships, and life transitions. A veteran career counselor, I've over 7 years of experience providing career counseling and coaching.
(510) 974-7425 View (510) 974-7425
Photo of Alisa Flakes, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Alisa Flakes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95111
I believe in the power of collective healing, and I would love to help you navigate through your pain and equip you with tools to make your recovery possible.
Hello, my name is Alisa Flakes and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I work with individuals ages 13+, couples, and families in a variety of areas including addiction, anger management, anxiety, behavioral issues, coping skills, cultural stress, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, grief, and trauma & PTSD, amongst others. My approach is strength-based, solution focused and utilizes several modalities such as ACT, CBT, DBT, Family Systems, Gottman Method, Gestalt, and more.
I believe in the power of collective healing, and I would love to help you navigate through your pain and equip you with tools to make your recovery possible.
Hello, my name is Alisa Flakes and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I work with individuals ages 13+, couples, and families in a variety of areas including addiction, anger management, anxiety, behavioral issues, coping skills, cultural stress, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, grief, and trauma & PTSD, amongst others. My approach is strength-based, solution focused and utilizes several modalities such as ACT, CBT, DBT, Family Systems, Gottman Method, Gestalt, and more.
(408) 539-8691 View (408) 539-8691
Photo of Ataraxy, Mental Health and Wellness, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Ataraxy, Mental Health and Wellness
Psychologist, PsyD, LMFT, IC&RC, CADC-II
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95128  (Online Only)
Are you in denial about getting support because you feel you can manage, but deep inside you know the help and support could benefit you so much? If you are feeling depressed, anxious, having negative, and racing thoughts, and you are dealing with emotional pains because of trauma, addiction, relationship issues, and interpersonal challenges, the pain does not go away. You are struggling with obsessive thoughts, and impulse control because of fear and feeling misunderstood because of the mental health struggles. We are here to support you, work with us, we listen, empower, and transform. Start today to take control of your life.
Are you in denial about getting support because you feel you can manage, but deep inside you know the help and support could benefit you so much? If you are feeling depressed, anxious, having negative, and racing thoughts, and you are dealing with emotional pains because of trauma, addiction, relationship issues, and interpersonal challenges, the pain does not go away. You are struggling with obsessive thoughts, and impulse control because of fear and feeling misunderstood because of the mental health struggles. We are here to support you, work with us, we listen, empower, and transform. Start today to take control of your life.
(408) 762-3289 View (408) 762-3289
Photo of Lindsey Stewart, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Lindsey Stewart
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Roseville, CA 95661  (Online Only)
I work with: depression, trauma, CPTSD, anxiety, narcissistic abuse, chronic pain/illness, birth trauma, crime survivors, high conflict divorce, domestic violence, betrayal trauma, life transitions, sexual abuse, child loss & grief, therapists/medical providers, first responders.
You have been through a trauma, loss. Something so painful it defies words. You are looking for more than coping tools (although some of that is good!), you are looking to feel better and create meaning from these hard experiences. You want to leave painful experiences behind but you find yourself reacting intensely to things in a way that makes you realize that your pain gets activated more than you want it to. You’re ready to both develop insight and coping tools and release your pain from your nervous system. I am a certified EMDR provider and completed coursework as a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medical Provider.
I work with: depression, trauma, CPTSD, anxiety, narcissistic abuse, chronic pain/illness, birth trauma, crime survivors, high conflict divorce, domestic violence, betrayal trauma, life transitions, sexual abuse, child loss & grief, therapists/medical providers, first responders.
You have been through a trauma, loss. Something so painful it defies words. You are looking for more than coping tools (although some of that is good!), you are looking to feel better and create meaning from these hard experiences. You want to leave painful experiences behind but you find yourself reacting intensely to things in a way that makes you realize that your pain gets activated more than you want it to. You’re ready to both develop insight and coping tools and release your pain from your nervous system. I am a certified EMDR provider and completed coursework as a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medical Provider.
(916) 414-9764 View (916) 414-9764
Photo of Bruce A Killen, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Bruce A Killen
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, MFT, CHT
Verified Verified
Napa, CA 94558
I focus on overall wellness and the mind/body connection; anxiety/stress management, depression, trauma, children, couples, adults, severe mental illness, men's issues, Latino clients, divorce, grief, attachment, parenting, anger management, smoking cessation, pain management, habit change, and more.
I can help you if you are motivated, tailoring what we do to your needs, talents, strengths, and challenges; I look for the best in my clients and respect how different we all are, believing in the hidden genius and wisdom in everyone. I will not judge you and focus on empathy, acceptance, understanding, and a very good connection with my clients. I enjoy people from all cultures, ethnicities, and walks of life and thus speak several languages.
I focus on overall wellness and the mind/body connection; anxiety/stress management, depression, trauma, children, couples, adults, severe mental illness, men's issues, Latino clients, divorce, grief, attachment, parenting, anger management, smoking cessation, pain management, habit change, and more.
I can help you if you are motivated, tailoring what we do to your needs, talents, strengths, and challenges; I look for the best in my clients and respect how different we all are, believing in the hidden genius and wisdom in everyone. I will not judge you and focus on empathy, acceptance, understanding, and a very good connection with my clients. I enjoy people from all cultures, ethnicities, and walks of life and thus speak several languages.
(415) 749-9246 View (415) 749-9246

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.