Photo of Lucia C Cargill in San Francisco, CA
Lucia C Cargill
PhD, MSN, MA, PHN, FNP-C
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110
l am a cross-cultural specialist with a PhD in Medical Anthropology & a Family Nurse Practitioner with 15 years in psychiatric, pain & primary care practice.
Greetings! Welcome to our multidisciplinary, holistic, integrative mental health coaching practice. We are open to new ideas from Integrative/Functional Medicine, supportive care for your psychiatric needs, drug free care, and nutritional support. We believe whole body health is the best way to good brain health. Good brain health impacts mental health. We invite you to a different approach to brain health and mental health through coaching and support for referrals to the best functional medicine providers sourcing balance, resolution of inflammation & for all your whole body-mind-spirit healing. We invite you to join us for care.
l am a cross-cultural specialist with a PhD in Medical Anthropology & a Family Nurse Practitioner with 15 years in psychiatric, pain & primary care practice.
Greetings! Welcome to our multidisciplinary, holistic, integrative mental health coaching practice. We are open to new ideas from Integrative/Functional Medicine, supportive care for your psychiatric needs, drug free care, and nutritional support. We believe whole body health is the best way to good brain health. Good brain health impacts mental health. We invite you to a different approach to brain health and mental health through coaching and support for referrals to the best functional medicine providers sourcing balance, resolution of inflammation & for all your whole body-mind-spirit healing. We invite you to join us for care.
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Photo of Shelley Richardson, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Shelley Richardson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
If you are looking for ways to heal from past hurts, create a life worth living, or are dealing with anxiety, stress, or life transitions, I can offer you support and skills to help lessen your pain and make you more effective in moving your life forward. You may also be dealing with trauma and, with focused trauma therapy, I can help you find a greater sense of calm. If you are in a couple, and hoping to improve your connection and communication, deal with past hurts, or simply to be more loving to one another, we can work together to create a stronger relationship.
If you are looking for ways to heal from past hurts, create a life worth living, or are dealing with anxiety, stress, or life transitions, I can offer you support and skills to help lessen your pain and make you more effective in moving your life forward. You may also be dealing with trauma and, with focused trauma therapy, I can help you find a greater sense of calm. If you are in a couple, and hoping to improve your connection and communication, deal with past hurts, or simply to be more loving to one another, we can work together to create a stronger relationship.
(415) 236-2963 View (415) 236-2963
Photo of Kaitlin Doran, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Kaitlin Doran
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109  (Online Only)
Dr. Kaitlin Doran is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in chronic pain management, depression and anxiety, LGBTQIA issues, women’s health issues, and life transitions. Her approach is warm and collaborative, informed by interpersonal and emotion-focused theories. She fosters a safe and nurturing environment from which to gain greater insight and confidence through genuineness, interest, and humor.
Dr. Kaitlin Doran is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in chronic pain management, depression and anxiety, LGBTQIA issues, women’s health issues, and life transitions. Her approach is warm and collaborative, informed by interpersonal and emotion-focused theories. She fosters a safe and nurturing environment from which to gain greater insight and confidence through genuineness, interest, and humor.
(628) 200-3679 View (628) 200-3679
Photo of Denise Stilwell, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Denise Stilwell
Psychologist, RN, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109  (Online Only)
Dr. Denise Stilwell is a licensed clinical psychologist with seven years of experience providing psychotherapy in a variety of clinical settings. She worked as a nurse for sixteen years before she became a psychotherapist and brings that rich experience into her practice. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, identity issues, interpersonal issues, grief, managing chronic illness, and somatic symptom disorder. Dr. Stilwell collaborates with her clients to ensure they feel seen and heard in their sessions while utilizing evidence-based therapy approaches that are culturally sensitive and individually focused.
Dr. Denise Stilwell is a licensed clinical psychologist with seven years of experience providing psychotherapy in a variety of clinical settings. She worked as a nurse for sixteen years before she became a psychotherapist and brings that rich experience into her practice. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, identity issues, interpersonal issues, grief, managing chronic illness, and somatic symptom disorder. Dr. Stilwell collaborates with her clients to ensure they feel seen and heard in their sessions while utilizing evidence-based therapy approaches that are culturally sensitive and individually focused.
(415) 306-8574 View (415) 306-8574
Photo of Reuben P. Wolff, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Reuben P. Wolff
Psychologist, PsyD, SEP
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
I have extensive expertise in hypnosis and mindfulness to support the psychotherapy process and to help you if you are dealing with emotions, habits, chronic pain, illness or surgery.
Are you ready to reach your potential? Are you tired of being caught in repeating patterns? Are you facing new challenges? Would you benefit from support and insights? You have shown clear motivation to create a clearer path for yourself because searching for the right collaborative therapist is a courageous act that can help you to achieve greater harmony as you move into your future. Perhaps you are experiencing anxiety or depression, are in life transition, are spiritually stuck, or are curious about what is next for you. I invite you to explore how I can assist you in a safe and accepting environment.
I have extensive expertise in hypnosis and mindfulness to support the psychotherapy process and to help you if you are dealing with emotions, habits, chronic pain, illness or surgery.
Are you ready to reach your potential? Are you tired of being caught in repeating patterns? Are you facing new challenges? Would you benefit from support and insights? You have shown clear motivation to create a clearer path for yourself because searching for the right collaborative therapist is a courageous act that can help you to achieve greater harmony as you move into your future. Perhaps you are experiencing anxiety or depression, are in life transition, are spiritually stuck, or are curious about what is next for you. I invite you to explore how I can assist you in a safe and accepting environment.
(415) 799-4147 View (415) 799-4147
Photo of Lusa Hung, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Lusa Hung
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94122  (Online Only)
Turning pain and loss into wisdom, guilt into gratitude, and shifting from avoidance to awareness are ways that can be helpful.
I practice exclusively with online clients residing in WA, CA & NY. I am out of network for all insurance panels. Psychology has always been a passion of mine in some shape or form. I have 14 yrs of clinical experience working with culturally diverse populations in international and domestic settings. My approach is mindfulness-based with a blend of CBT, person-centered therapy and Motivational Interviewing. I have expertise treating a wide range of psychological issues spanning the spectrum of depression, trauma/anxiety, relationship difficulties, and life adjustments, serving people across the lifespan and in different settings.
Turning pain and loss into wisdom, guilt into gratitude, and shifting from avoidance to awareness are ways that can be helpful.
I practice exclusively with online clients residing in WA, CA & NY. I am out of network for all insurance panels. Psychology has always been a passion of mine in some shape or form. I have 14 yrs of clinical experience working with culturally diverse populations in international and domestic settings. My approach is mindfulness-based with a blend of CBT, person-centered therapy and Motivational Interviewing. I have expertise treating a wide range of psychological issues spanning the spectrum of depression, trauma/anxiety, relationship difficulties, and life adjustments, serving people across the lifespan and in different settings.
(415) 825-3514 View (415) 825-3514
Photo of Judith Anna Nitchie, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Judith Anna Nitchie
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, CMT, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94122  (Online Only)
Interactive and educational workshops address stress and emotions relative to chronic illness and loss for self-help groups and professional organizations; education and training for counselors and therapists who work with clients with chronic illness.
Life with a chronic illness presents unique challenges. Not only do you have your new (and changing) physical reality, but anxiety, depression and overwhelm can show up unannounced. I've been there! The great news is that, with help, we can transform our state of mind and start loving life again. WE can get YOU back on the road to loving your life--let's get to it!
Interactive and educational workshops address stress and emotions relative to chronic illness and loss for self-help groups and professional organizations; education and training for counselors and therapists who work with clients with chronic illness.
Life with a chronic illness presents unique challenges. Not only do you have your new (and changing) physical reality, but anxiety, depression and overwhelm can show up unannounced. I've been there! The great news is that, with help, we can transform our state of mind and start loving life again. WE can get YOU back on the road to loving your life--let's get to it!
(415) 799-9266 View (415) 799-9266
Photo of Hollie Hannan, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Hollie Hannan
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
If change were as simple as Cher telling Nicholas Cage in Moonstruck to "Snap out of it!" there would be no need for therapists. While experiencing pain is difficult, it is often a catalyst for growth. As a licensed Therapist for 18 years, I specialize in helping people heal their emotional injuries and move through the "stuck" places that prevent them from living fuller and more meaningful lives. Resilience increases by working through challenges.
If change were as simple as Cher telling Nicholas Cage in Moonstruck to "Snap out of it!" there would be no need for therapists. While experiencing pain is difficult, it is often a catalyst for growth. As a licensed Therapist for 18 years, I specialize in helping people heal their emotional injuries and move through the "stuck" places that prevent them from living fuller and more meaningful lives. Resilience increases by working through challenges.
(415) 800-4665 View (415) 800-4665
Photo of Lisa A Murphy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Lisa A Murphy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
Are you are you struggling with anxiety, stress, weight control/obesity, emotional eating, unhealthy/excessive behaviors or a chronic illness/family member's chronic illness? You may have tried to change many times in the past without the results you want. If you are ready to break the cycle, therapy can help you make changes...for life. My approach is to welcome your whole self in therapy, including your mind, body and spirit. We'll develop specific strategies to help you get better faster
Are you are you struggling with anxiety, stress, weight control/obesity, emotional eating, unhealthy/excessive behaviors or a chronic illness/family member's chronic illness? You may have tried to change many times in the past without the results you want. If you are ready to break the cycle, therapy can help you make changes...for life. My approach is to welcome your whole self in therapy, including your mind, body and spirit. We'll develop specific strategies to help you get better faster
(415) 763-6231 View (415) 763-6231
Photo of Hilary Rosenberg, Registered Psychological Assistant in San Francisco, CA
Hilary Rosenberg
Registered Psychological Assistant, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
My adult and couples clients seek me out for many reasons. Some want to make changes in their lives. Others feel weighed down by difficult emotions, relationships, or past experiences. Some just want to better understand themselves and how to find meaning. My work is a collaborative process, rooted in theory and research, that creates meaningful, lasting change. I've helped clients with professional stress, challenging relationships, mood difficulties (anxiety, depression), challenges adjusting to new life stages/change, medical illness, substance use, a desire to build mindfulness skills, or simply feeling “stuck” and uncreative.
My adult and couples clients seek me out for many reasons. Some want to make changes in their lives. Others feel weighed down by difficult emotions, relationships, or past experiences. Some just want to better understand themselves and how to find meaning. My work is a collaborative process, rooted in theory and research, that creates meaningful, lasting change. I've helped clients with professional stress, challenging relationships, mood difficulties (anxiety, depression), challenges adjusting to new life stages/change, medical illness, substance use, a desire to build mindfulness skills, or simply feeling “stuck” and uncreative.
(415) 612-6424 View (415) 612-6424
Photo of Anya V Kogan, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Anya V Kogan
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
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 Maeve Odile Jackson-Dufault, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Maeve Odile Jackson-Dufault
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
My approach to therapy is integral; I work from an attachment and trauma informed lens with a deep grounding in relational psychoanalytic theory. I have experience with treating depression and anxiety, low self-esteem, questions of gender and sexuality, complex family dynamics, relationship issues, chronic pain, and grief work. My wish it to foster a therapeutic space that feels both challenging as well as safe so that we can work together to meet your treatment goals. In our work together I may bring in mindfulness techniques, parts work, attachment theory, dream work, movement, and myth.
My approach to therapy is integral; I work from an attachment and trauma informed lens with a deep grounding in relational psychoanalytic theory. I have experience with treating depression and anxiety, low self-esteem, questions of gender and sexuality, complex family dynamics, relationship issues, chronic pain, and grief work. My wish it to foster a therapeutic space that feels both challenging as well as safe so that we can work together to meet your treatment goals. In our work together I may bring in mindfulness techniques, parts work, attachment theory, dream work, movement, and myth.
(510) 513-4604 View (510) 513-4604
Photo of Beyond Coping, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Beyond Coping
Psychologist, PhD
Not Verified Not Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
Are you living with or have you recently been diagnosed with a major medical condition? Caring for someone who is ill or dying? Are you having difficulties coping with a chronic or newly diagnosed illness? Are your children struggling with the loss of a loved one? Are you dealing with the impact of illness on body image? Are you considering end of life options or dealing with issues such as loss and grief? We help patients, their loved ones, and caregivers coping with cancer, life-altering illness, chronic pain, neurological conditions, infertility, complex pregnancy, and end of life issues.
Are you living with or have you recently been diagnosed with a major medical condition? Caring for someone who is ill or dying? Are you having difficulties coping with a chronic or newly diagnosed illness? Are your children struggling with the loss of a loved one? Are you dealing with the impact of illness on body image? Are you considering end of life options or dealing with issues such as loss and grief? We help patients, their loved ones, and caregivers coping with cancer, life-altering illness, chronic pain, neurological conditions, infertility, complex pregnancy, and end of life issues.
(844) 382-8410 x701 View (844) 382-8410 x701
Photo of Leah R Finn, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Leah R Finn
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94109  (Online Only)
I've successfully treated many people who have experienced anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic illness/ pain and other issues.
As your therapist, I create an environment for you to feel safe to explore fears, challenges and your deepest desires. I'm here to empower you! I'll offer a variety of techniques and collaborate with you in developing goals to co-create a therapeutic experience, facilitating healing and personal growth. I use an anti-oppression, disability justice framework and consider how ethnicity, class, gender, age, ability and sexuality intersect. My background as a community organizer for social justice informs my practice. I will tailor our work together to address your unique and specific needs and preferences.
I've successfully treated many people who have experienced anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic illness/ pain and other issues.
As your therapist, I create an environment for you to feel safe to explore fears, challenges and your deepest desires. I'm here to empower you! I'll offer a variety of techniques and collaborate with you in developing goals to co-create a therapeutic experience, facilitating healing and personal growth. I use an anti-oppression, disability justice framework and consider how ethnicity, class, gender, age, ability and sexuality intersect. My background as a community organizer for social justice informs my practice. I will tailor our work together to address your unique and specific needs and preferences.
(510) 560-7164 View (510) 560-7164
Photo of 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 Ali Gunsberg, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Ali Gunsberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
One of the most difficult aspects of being a parent is seeing your child in pain and feeling like there is nothing that you can do to help. Whether they feel the pain of depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, divorce or social and academic pressure, my expertise is in helping children connect with their inner strength and confidence. I support families in developing the communication skills necessary to allow children to grow and move forward in healthy ways. I believe all children are unique, and my goal is to help bring out the best in your child.
One of the most difficult aspects of being a parent is seeing your child in pain and feeling like there is nothing that you can do to help. Whether they feel the pain of depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, divorce or social and academic pressure, my expertise is in helping children connect with their inner strength and confidence. I support families in developing the communication skills necessary to allow children to grow and move forward in healthy ways. I believe all children are unique, and my goal is to help bring out the best in your child.
(415) 295-4664 View (415) 295-4664
Photo of Holly Gordon, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Holly Gordon
Psychologist, DMH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
Talking to someone who understands the pain you feel-depression, anxiety, or feeling stuck-can relieve inner distress and give you a new perspective on your life. I am empathic and experienced at providing a safe setting where we can explore what is causing you to feel anxious, distressed or unfulfilled. In therapy we work together to clarify those emotions that have kept you from moving forward in your life. You will find new ways to see yourself and others, which leads to more meaningful relationships and a more fulfilling life.
Talking to someone who understands the pain you feel-depression, anxiety, or feeling stuck-can relieve inner distress and give you a new perspective on your life. I am empathic and experienced at providing a safe setting where we can explore what is causing you to feel anxious, distressed or unfulfilled. In therapy we work together to clarify those emotions that have kept you from moving forward in your life. You will find new ways to see yourself and others, which leads to more meaningful relationships and a more fulfilling life.
(415) 787-3993 View (415) 787-3993
Photo of Matthew Moreno, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Matthew Moreno
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
This can create an unhealthy, repeating pattern causes conflict to cause a lot of pain.
In addition to working extensively with anxiety issues, I specialize in helping clients improve their relationships with their partners/spouses. I wholeheartedly welcome both straight and LGBT clients into my practice. I often tell clients that everything makes perfect sense (ie. the problems they share and how they react), and all we need to do is find the right pieces of the puzzle to help them understand. It is from this understanding that relief and solutions arise. By truly understanding what anxiety is and isn't, we learn how to navigate it so it doesn't control our lives.
This can create an unhealthy, repeating pattern causes conflict to cause a lot of pain.
In addition to working extensively with anxiety issues, I specialize in helping clients improve their relationships with their partners/spouses. I wholeheartedly welcome both straight and LGBT clients into my practice. I often tell clients that everything makes perfect sense (ie. the problems they share and how they react), and all we need to do is find the right pieces of the puzzle to help them understand. It is from this understanding that relief and solutions arise. By truly understanding what anxiety is and isn't, we learn how to navigate it so it doesn't control our lives.
(415) 675-1848 View (415) 675-1848
Photo of Samuel Khanukayev, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Samuel Khanukayev
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
Prospective clients can anticipate the collaborative work of deconstructing, analyzing, and working through psychological pain.
I strive to facilitate a reflective and explorative environment where the unbearable can be held and truth can be spoken. Multicultural and bilingual elements of my identity, and a history of enduring ethnic discrimination and immigration, significantly inform how I listen to my clients, think through trauma and fragmentation with them. Unconscious repetitions of aversion, clinging, and reenactments of familiar/familial ways of being bind us in suffering. Through psychotherapy, rigid frames of being can be deconstructed and psychological space can be reclaimed for creativity, desire and becoming.
Prospective clients can anticipate the collaborative work of deconstructing, analyzing, and working through psychological pain.
I strive to facilitate a reflective and explorative environment where the unbearable can be held and truth can be spoken. Multicultural and bilingual elements of my identity, and a history of enduring ethnic discrimination and immigration, significantly inform how I listen to my clients, think through trauma and fragmentation with them. Unconscious repetitions of aversion, clinging, and reenactments of familiar/familial ways of being bind us in suffering. Through psychotherapy, rigid frames of being can be deconstructed and psychological space can be reclaimed for creativity, desire and becoming.
(510) 982-6497 View (510) 982-6497
Photo of Brian King, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Brian King
Psychologist, PsyD, QME
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
, depression, anxiety, pain, self-destructive behaviors, substance use).
I seek to provide a thoughtful and reflective setting where clients develop greater understanding of their problems and limitations through honest exploration of themselves, and to bolster strengths/foster growth. I provide a friendly and open atmosphere to invite sharing of whatever thought or feeling that comes up so that they can be explored, analyzed and ultimately changed if you want. I work in a collaborative way and do not necessarily see my role as an advice giver, but as a thoughtful companion in helping you find your own solutions and understanding. I use a flexible blend of clinical techniques and theories.
, depression, anxiety, pain, self-destructive behaviors, substance use).
I seek to provide a thoughtful and reflective setting where clients develop greater understanding of their problems and limitations through honest exploration of themselves, and to bolster strengths/foster growth. I provide a friendly and open atmosphere to invite sharing of whatever thought or feeling that comes up so that they can be explored, analyzed and ultimately changed if you want. I work in a collaborative way and do not necessarily see my role as an advice giver, but as a thoughtful companion in helping you find your own solutions and understanding. I use a flexible blend of clinical techniques and theories.
(415) 991-3069 View (415) 991-3069

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.