Photo of Radhika Reddy, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Radhika Reddy
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110  (Online Only)
, ACT), Brainspotting, Pain Reprocessing Therapy, etc.
Welcome! Thank you for checking out my page, and more importantly, for taking this step to invest in yourself! You likely are struggling significantly with something and looking for guidance. You may be wondering if I could be the therapist by your side on this journey. Here's a little about me to help you make an informed decision: My style of therapy is thoughtful, warm, compassionate, non-judgmental, highly collaborative, and results-driven. You are the expert on you (your child), and are likely coming to me for expertise in specific therapies to help you get to where you are heading. As a team we can get there quicker!
, ACT), Brainspotting, Pain Reprocessing Therapy, etc.
Welcome! Thank you for checking out my page, and more importantly, for taking this step to invest in yourself! You likely are struggling significantly with something and looking for guidance. You may be wondering if I could be the therapist by your side on this journey. Here's a little about me to help you make an informed decision: My style of therapy is thoughtful, warm, compassionate, non-judgmental, highly collaborative, and results-driven. You are the expert on you (your child), and are likely coming to me for expertise in specific therapies to help you get to where you are heading. As a team we can get there quicker!
(650) 727-1805 View (650) 727-1805
Photo of Sarah Hammill, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Sarah Hammill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
I have extensive experience treating individuals with chronic and terminal illness, chronic pain, Borderline Personality Disorder, and addiction.
Have you survived a trauma but can't shake the effects of it? Do you want help reclaiming your thoughts, feelings and relationships? I specialize in treating people who have experienced traumatic events such as sexual assault, sudden loss, childhood abuse or divorce. I work with my clients to treat common trauma symptoms such as depression, anxiety, issues with sexuality, and chronic pain. Because trauma affects the body, I combine traditional psychotherapy with a somatic focus to bring relief to the whole self. Ultimately, we work together to alleviate distress and create a life you love.
I have extensive experience treating individuals with chronic and terminal illness, chronic pain, Borderline Personality Disorder, and addiction.
Have you survived a trauma but can't shake the effects of it? Do you want help reclaiming your thoughts, feelings and relationships? I specialize in treating people who have experienced traumatic events such as sexual assault, sudden loss, childhood abuse or divorce. I work with my clients to treat common trauma symptoms such as depression, anxiety, issues with sexuality, and chronic pain. Because trauma affects the body, I combine traditional psychotherapy with a somatic focus to bring relief to the whole self. Ultimately, we work together to alleviate distress and create a life you love.
(510) 454-8430 View (510) 454-8430
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 Andrew Damian, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Andrew Damian
Psychologist, PsyD, BCN
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94105
I am a licensed psychologist with expertise in neurofeedback, neuropsychology, chronic pain treatment, individual psychotherapy, meditation, and qEEG brain mapping. I am board certified in neurofeedback and I use cutting-edge techniques to determine the best treatment and to improve outcomes.
I am a licensed psychologist with expertise in neurofeedback, neuropsychology, chronic pain treatment, individual psychotherapy, meditation, and qEEG brain mapping. I am board certified in neurofeedback and I use cutting-edge techniques to determine the best treatment and to improve outcomes.
(628) 265-6274 View (628) 265-6274
Photo of Ariane Eroy, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Ariane Eroy
Psychologist, PhD, CHT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
I deeply believe in your self-worth! I can help you overcome seemingly intractable depression, release addictions, better your relationships, redefine your life goals, and make difficult life-transitions, leaving behind chronic pain for good!.
I invite you onto an amazing path, one which opens up before your very eyes, your internal world. Receive the support you need to explore who you are, accelerate your evolutionary trajectory, and manage the stressors that characterize our swiftly changing world. Learn to transform challenges into opportunities and thus overcome any difficult feelings that trouble you.
I deeply believe in your self-worth! I can help you overcome seemingly intractable depression, release addictions, better your relationships, redefine your life goals, and make difficult life-transitions, leaving behind chronic pain for good!.
I invite you onto an amazing path, one which opens up before your very eyes, your internal world. Receive the support you need to explore who you are, accelerate your evolutionary trajectory, and manage the stressors that characterize our swiftly changing world. Learn to transform challenges into opportunities and thus overcome any difficult feelings that trouble you.
(415) 802-0590 View (415) 802-0590
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 Christina Frenzel, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Christina Frenzel
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94158  (Online Only)
I specialize in treating individuals, couples, and families affected by chronic illness (diabetes, autoimmune disorders, medical trauma, chronic pain), neurodivergence (ADHD, autism, anxiety, executive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation), and relationship issues (communication, codependency, social anxiety, dating, narcissistic abuse). I utilize a variety of evidence-based modalities tailored to every client’s unique and individual needs. My style is warm, nurturing, collaborative , and non-judgmental. I hope to support you in growing a deeper sense of awareness, creativity, connection, confidence, and purpose in your life.
I specialize in treating individuals, couples, and families affected by chronic illness (diabetes, autoimmune disorders, medical trauma, chronic pain), neurodivergence (ADHD, autism, anxiety, executive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation), and relationship issues (communication, codependency, social anxiety, dating, narcissistic abuse). I utilize a variety of evidence-based modalities tailored to every client’s unique and individual needs. My style is warm, nurturing, collaborative , and non-judgmental. I hope to support you in growing a deeper sense of awareness, creativity, connection, confidence, and purpose in your life.
(650) 910-5548 View (650) 910-5548
Photo of Stanley Fuller, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Stanley Fuller
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
I work extensively with Queer and LGBT community, Kink Affirmative/ Sex Positive, Sexual abuse, Substance Use, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Chronic pain, Aging, Childhood Trauma, Grieving, and Couples.
You are unique. My approach is from a holistic lens through relational humanistic psychodynamics. I hope that we build a foundational relationship that is based on trust and acceptance. I will walk with you through your journey of healing and self-discovery. I utilize my self-reflective journey through humanistic transpersonal psychodynamics, meeting you where you are in the here and now, offering acceptance and understanding.
I work extensively with Queer and LGBT community, Kink Affirmative/ Sex Positive, Sexual abuse, Substance Use, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Chronic pain, Aging, Childhood Trauma, Grieving, and Couples.
You are unique. My approach is from a holistic lens through relational humanistic psychodynamics. I hope that we build a foundational relationship that is based on trust and acceptance. I will walk with you through your journey of healing and self-discovery. I utilize my self-reflective journey through humanistic transpersonal psychodynamics, meeting you where you are in the here and now, offering acceptance and understanding.
(415) 993-5146 View (415) 993-5146
Photo of Grechell Siy, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Grechell Siy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
My name is Grechell Siy, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California via telehealth. I primarily focused on working with individual adults struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, other relational trauma, grief, and chronic pain using a client-centered approach. I love working with individual adults who are ready to enrich their relationship with themselves due to the impact of relational or childhood trauma.
My name is Grechell Siy, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California via telehealth. I primarily focused on working with individual adults struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, other relational trauma, grief, and chronic pain using a client-centered approach. I love working with individual adults who are ready to enrich their relationship with themselves due to the impact of relational or childhood trauma.
(805) 749-2095 View (805) 749-2095
Photo of Haley Hewitt, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Haley Hewitt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, E-RYT
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Waitlist for new clients
My name is Haley Hewitt and I specialize in individual, couples, and family therapy. I believe that because we are complex and unique individuals, an approach that integrates both mind and body is essential for the healing, growth, and resiliency that is the goal of therapeutic counseling. Treatment specializations include: depression and anxiety, couples counseling, children and adolescents, psychedelic-assisted therapies, stress and/or pain management, life transitions, self-esteem, mental illness/mental health issues, gender and/or sexual identity, and LGBTQIA. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS, DBT/CBT & Somatics.
My name is Haley Hewitt and I specialize in individual, couples, and family therapy. I believe that because we are complex and unique individuals, an approach that integrates both mind and body is essential for the healing, growth, and resiliency that is the goal of therapeutic counseling. Treatment specializations include: depression and anxiety, couples counseling, children and adolescents, psychedelic-assisted therapies, stress and/or pain management, life transitions, self-esteem, mental illness/mental health issues, gender and/or sexual identity, and LGBTQIA. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS, DBT/CBT & Somatics.
(925) 275-5742 View (925) 275-5742
Photo of Shea Lowery, Licensed Professional Counselor in San Francisco, CA
Shea Lowery
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, ACS
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with clients with complex trauma and dissociative disorders, particularly those with multiple marginalized identities (BIPOC, LGBTQ+, chronic pain/disability) involved in harmful systems (foster care, carceral system, military, and hospitalizations). My approach to the work is that our systems and our world are fundamentally inequitable, and therapy is a way to help us survive in the face of many sources of adversity. With therapy, we learn about ourselves and our patterns and develop compassion for our suffering and ways to care for ourselves in all areas of our lives.
I specialize in working with clients with complex trauma and dissociative disorders, particularly those with multiple marginalized identities (BIPOC, LGBTQ+, chronic pain/disability) involved in harmful systems (foster care, carceral system, military, and hospitalizations). My approach to the work is that our systems and our world are fundamentally inequitable, and therapy is a way to help us survive in the face of many sources of adversity. With therapy, we learn about ourselves and our patterns and develop compassion for our suffering and ways to care for ourselves in all areas of our lives.
(213) 855-1789 View (213) 855-1789
Photo of Kasey Mandelbaum - Disability And Neurodivergent Specialist, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Kasey Mandelbaum - Disability And Neurodivergent Specialist
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
As a queer, neurodivergent, disabled therapist, I know what it is like to not see yourself in your therapist. I'm a therapist with ADHD- I'm going to understand the grief you feel when talking about your past and how different it would have been if the world was built with neurodiverse people in mind. I'm a therapist with chronic illness- I'll understand how flares, injustice, and medical trauma effects your brain and your inner world. This world was not made for us in mind, but my counseling space was. Welcome!
As a queer, neurodivergent, disabled therapist, I know what it is like to not see yourself in your therapist. I'm a therapist with ADHD- I'm going to understand the grief you feel when talking about your past and how different it would have been if the world was built with neurodiverse people in mind. I'm a therapist with chronic illness- I'll understand how flares, injustice, and medical trauma effects your brain and your inner world. This world was not made for us in mind, but my counseling space was. Welcome!
(213) 642-2948 View (213) 642-2948
Photo of Karen Macklin, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Karen Macklin
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MFA, AMFT, APCC, Coach
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
I support folks through transition and loss, questions around identity, navigating a new or chronic illness, and communication & relationship challenges.
Are you at a crossroads in your life or relationship(s)? I work with dynamic individuals, couples, and family pairs who feel lost and want to find their way back to clarity & connection. I'm an East-West combo, bringing a mix of soulful mindfulness practice + practicality + creative exploration to the therapy space. I support big thinkers and feelers, including creatives, artists, scientists, healers, dreamers, sensitive people, queer, and/or neurodivergent folks & anyone who doesn't fit the standard narrative to heal (& grow) from the trauma and drama of this world, and to create a life worth living and loving.
I support folks through transition and loss, questions around identity, navigating a new or chronic illness, and communication & relationship challenges.
Are you at a crossroads in your life or relationship(s)? I work with dynamic individuals, couples, and family pairs who feel lost and want to find their way back to clarity & connection. I'm an East-West combo, bringing a mix of soulful mindfulness practice + practicality + creative exploration to the therapy space. I support big thinkers and feelers, including creatives, artists, scientists, healers, dreamers, sensitive people, queer, and/or neurodivergent folks & anyone who doesn't fit the standard narrative to heal (& grow) from the trauma and drama of this world, and to create a life worth living and loving.
(213) 376-5927 View (213) 376-5927
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 Suhadee (Su) Henriquez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Suhadee (Su) Henriquez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
My diverse background has allowed me to help individuals around the world to reach their personal goals and guide them, step-by-step, to achieve higher levels of success. I am a psychotherapist specialized in helping those struggling with daily stressors, depression/anxiety, relationship difficulties, chronic pain, and problems associated (e.g. career, college) eating issues, substance abuse, as well as suicidal and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors. I have particular expertise in working with individuals from a multicultural perspective, including but not limited to, LGBT populations and providing psychotherapy in Spanish"
My diverse background has allowed me to help individuals around the world to reach their personal goals and guide them, step-by-step, to achieve higher levels of success. I am a psychotherapist specialized in helping those struggling with daily stressors, depression/anxiety, relationship difficulties, chronic pain, and problems associated (e.g. career, college) eating issues, substance abuse, as well as suicidal and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors. I have particular expertise in working with individuals from a multicultural perspective, including but not limited to, LGBT populations and providing psychotherapy in Spanish"
(332) 249-8411 View (332) 249-8411
Photo of Susan Harden, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Susan Harden
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
I am a cognitive behavioral psychologist and as such I utilize a goal oriented focus in working with problems that you may be experiencing. I also believe that understanding the meaning of experiences are essential to working through them. I have worked both with children and adults in my practice and have done a great deal of work with people experiencing anxiety, depression, and chronic illness.
I am a cognitive behavioral psychologist and as such I utilize a goal oriented focus in working with problems that you may be experiencing. I also believe that understanding the meaning of experiences are essential to working through them. I have worked both with children and adults in my practice and have done a great deal of work with people experiencing anxiety, depression, and chronic illness.
(310) 341-0907 View (310) 341-0907
Photo of Aliah Kristin Mestrovich Seay, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Aliah Kristin Mestrovich Seay
Marriage & Family Therapist, LCMFT, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
I work with clients with a wide range of concerns and identities including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, relationship issues, neurodiversity (ADHD and Autism), and other developmental disabilities, vocational stress, chronic illness, women’s issues, infertility and disability-related work and school-place barriers. I have experience working with individuals from historically underrepresented underserved communities, international clients, interracial couples and families, women, immigrants/refugees as well as the LGBTQIA+ community.
I work with clients with a wide range of concerns and identities including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, relationship issues, neurodiversity (ADHD and Autism), and other developmental disabilities, vocational stress, chronic illness, women’s issues, infertility and disability-related work and school-place barriers. I have experience working with individuals from historically underrepresented underserved communities, international clients, interracial couples and families, women, immigrants/refugees as well as the LGBTQIA+ community.
(785) 465-2487 View (785) 465-2487
Photo of Elisa Joy Friedlander, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Elisa Joy Friedlander
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
I largely help folks who experience being othered navigate chronic pain and illness, disability, or neurodivergence, from a social justice lens.
Chronic Pain/ Expressive Writing group openings- please see Groups below and link to website. No availability for individual clients at this time. Welcome. Is there a discrepancy between the life you are living, and the life/aspects of life you desire? I'm here to help you bridge that gap by guiding you through a process of exploration, self-discovery, and transformation. By giving voice to various parts of yourself (including parts that are hidden or less acknowledged), you will gain valuable insights to create a new narrative that enables you to engage in your life and relationships with more skill, authenticity, and ease.
I largely help folks who experience being othered navigate chronic pain and illness, disability, or neurodivergence, from a social justice lens.
Chronic Pain/ Expressive Writing group openings- please see Groups below and link to website. No availability for individual clients at this time. Welcome. Is there a discrepancy between the life you are living, and the life/aspects of life you desire? I'm here to help you bridge that gap by guiding you through a process of exploration, self-discovery, and transformation. By giving voice to various parts of yourself (including parts that are hidden or less acknowledged), you will gain valuable insights to create a new narrative that enables you to engage in your life and relationships with more skill, authenticity, and ease.
(541) 255-1355 View (541) 255-1355
Photo of Jessica Shank, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Jessica Shank
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
I am currently accepting new clients! It takes amazing strength and courage to share our insecurities, worries and pain. As a compassionate therapist, my goal is to provide a safe and trusting space where you can feel better and get relief. Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, I provide a free 15 minute consult to help make the process less overwhelming and to explore if working together is the right fit for you. I provide therapy for individuals, couples and families.
I am currently accepting new clients! It takes amazing strength and courage to share our insecurities, worries and pain. As a compassionate therapist, my goal is to provide a safe and trusting space where you can feel better and get relief. Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, I provide a free 15 minute consult to help make the process less overwhelming and to explore if working together is the right fit for you. I provide therapy for individuals, couples and families.
(707) 505-9584 View (707) 505-9584
Photo of Kerri Gavin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Kerri Gavin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94112  (Online Only)
Hi there, I'm Kerri! I have been working in the mental health field for over 30 years. I specialize in working with those with intellectual disabilities. I am compassionate, understanding, and able to meet them where they are. I like to work with the elderly with mental health challenges and those who need someone compassionate, interested in them, and able to make valuable suggestions. I work to provide coping skills, stress relief, trauma work, and medication referrals if needed. I use the Recovery Model, solution-focused, trauma-focused, and person-centered modalities.
Hi there, I'm Kerri! I have been working in the mental health field for over 30 years. I specialize in working with those with intellectual disabilities. I am compassionate, understanding, and able to meet them where they are. I like to work with the elderly with mental health challenges and those who need someone compassionate, interested in them, and able to make valuable suggestions. I work to provide coping skills, stress relief, trauma work, and medication referrals if needed. I use the Recovery Model, solution-focused, trauma-focused, and person-centered modalities.
(760) 374-8919 View (760) 374-8919

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.