Photo of Katy Wray, Psychotherapist & Jungian Psychoanalyst, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Katy Wray, Psychotherapist & Jungian Psychoanalyst
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
Sometimes there is a powerful link between pain in the body and the unconscious mind.
Psychotherapy can help when you are struggling with something specific, or when you are feeling concerned about where your life is going in general. There may be patterns that you tend to repeat and wish to change. Common concerns include relationships, work, anxiety, depression, grief, and childhood trauma. Depth therapy and Jungian psychoanalysis aim to go beyond immediate symptom relief to unblock your capacity to grow into who you are uniquely meant to be.
Sometimes there is a powerful link between pain in the body and the unconscious mind.
Psychotherapy can help when you are struggling with something specific, or when you are feeling concerned about where your life is going in general. There may be patterns that you tend to repeat and wish to change. Common concerns include relationships, work, anxiety, depression, grief, and childhood trauma. Depth therapy and Jungian psychoanalysis aim to go beyond immediate symptom relief to unblock your capacity to grow into who you are uniquely meant to be.
(415) 800-2661 View (415) 800-2661
Photo of Natasha Smolkin, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Natasha Smolkin
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109  (Online Only)
Dr. Natasha Smolkin is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with patients who struggle with chronic pain, stress and anxiety, addiction, interpersonal challenges, depression, self-esteem issues, and many more of life’s mental wellness obstacles. She utilizes an integrative, strength-based approach, which focuses on cultivating sense-of-efficacy around changes, obstacles, and goals.
Dr. Natasha Smolkin is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with patients who struggle with chronic pain, stress and anxiety, addiction, interpersonal challenges, depression, self-esteem issues, and many more of life’s mental wellness obstacles. She utilizes an integrative, strength-based approach, which focuses on cultivating sense-of-efficacy around changes, obstacles, and goals.
(415) 480-5482 View (415) 480-5482
Photo of Kimia Mansoor, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Kimia Mansoor
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Are you feeling disappointed and dissatisfied with your current circumstances, relationships, work, or the world at large? I specialize in working with adults, adolescents, and couples experiencing high levels of stress, interpersonal conflict, difficult family/relationship dynamics, grief, and chronic pain or illness. I often work with people who feel "different" and who may have experienced deep feelings of otherness throughout their lives. This includes children of immigrants, neurodiverse individuals, survivors of complex trauma/abuse, and those who identify with minority status in one or more ways.
Are you feeling disappointed and dissatisfied with your current circumstances, relationships, work, or the world at large? I specialize in working with adults, adolescents, and couples experiencing high levels of stress, interpersonal conflict, difficult family/relationship dynamics, grief, and chronic pain or illness. I often work with people who feel "different" and who may have experienced deep feelings of otherness throughout their lives. This includes children of immigrants, neurodiverse individuals, survivors of complex trauma/abuse, and those who identify with minority status in one or more ways.
(415) 423-0335 View (415) 423-0335
Photo of Nina Eisenberg @ The Connective, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Nina Eisenberg @ The Connective
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
I work with adolescents and adults who have identified something in their lives that is causing distress or interfering with their goals. These may be uncomfortable thoughts or feelings, or stressful life circumstances both past or present. Or, they may have a more general discomfort, a sense that something just isn’t “right” and feeling “stuck.” Major life transitions, relationship changes, and illness may be catalysts for psychological distress. Regardless, there is usually a desire to understand themselves better, make meaning of their experiences, and to change grow.
I work with adolescents and adults who have identified something in their lives that is causing distress or interfering with their goals. These may be uncomfortable thoughts or feelings, or stressful life circumstances both past or present. Or, they may have a more general discomfort, a sense that something just isn’t “right” and feeling “stuck.” Major life transitions, relationship changes, and illness may be catalysts for psychological distress. Regardless, there is usually a desire to understand themselves better, make meaning of their experiences, and to change grow.
(628) 200-4029 View (628) 200-4029
Photo of Susannah Ruth Feder, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Susannah Ruth Feder
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
I specialize in treating clients with pain and chronic illness management issues.
I am most experienced in working with people with pain, illness, addictions, anxiety and depression. I use interpersonal and cognitive approaches to these issues, and believe that the client is best able to assist in selecting the types of approaches best suited to them.
I specialize in treating clients with pain and chronic illness management issues.
I am most experienced in working with people with pain, illness, addictions, anxiety and depression. I use interpersonal and cognitive approaches to these issues, and believe that the client is best able to assist in selecting the types of approaches best suited to them.
(925) 448-9343 View (925) 448-9343
Photo of Michael Mayer, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Michael Mayer
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
Real transformation is possible when you have the right tools to mine your inner gems. With my 40 years experience, I give you leading-edge methods to help you deal with various psychological issues. Self-healing tools from Eastern and Western traditions can reduce or eliminate medications and empowers your inner healer to deal with your anxiety, depression, chronic pain, insomnia, trauma,hypertension, etc. Transform your inner critic into a helpful coach :-)
Real transformation is possible when you have the right tools to mine your inner gems. With my 40 years experience, I give you leading-edge methods to help you deal with various psychological issues. Self-healing tools from Eastern and Western traditions can reduce or eliminate medications and empowers your inner healer to deal with your anxiety, depression, chronic pain, insomnia, trauma,hypertension, etc. Transform your inner critic into a helpful coach :-)
(415) 931-4888 View (415) 931-4888
Photo of Molly Garber Therapy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Molly Garber Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94131
I combine Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), motivational interviewing, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), and Solution-Focused Therapy to target feelings of dread, abandonment, isolation, anxiety, chronic pain, and the many other symptoms that may come up for you on a daily basis.
“Regardless of how long ago something happened, and regardless of how long symptoms have been there, it doesn’t need to be permanent.” - Getting Past Your Past (Shapiro, 2012) Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, interpersonal issues or other daily symptoms that leave you feeling discontent, there is a solution. By utilizing a client-centered approach, I meet you where you are from session-to-session in order to provide an environment focused on comfort, trust, and understanding. I see healing as a sine wave, with ups-and-downs but always on an upward trajectory. Together we will walk through your healing.
I combine Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), motivational interviewing, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), and Solution-Focused Therapy to target feelings of dread, abandonment, isolation, anxiety, chronic pain, and the many other symptoms that may come up for you on a daily basis.
“Regardless of how long ago something happened, and regardless of how long symptoms have been there, it doesn’t need to be permanent.” - Getting Past Your Past (Shapiro, 2012) Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, interpersonal issues or other daily symptoms that leave you feeling discontent, there is a solution. By utilizing a client-centered approach, I meet you where you are from session-to-session in order to provide an environment focused on comfort, trust, and understanding. I see healing as a sine wave, with ups-and-downs but always on an upward trajectory. Together we will walk through your healing.
View
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.
View
Photo of Rebecca Stein Mind Body Therapy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Rebecca Stein Mind Body Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
Do you consistently experience BURNOUT and/or chronic PAIN? Do you feel like there is a constant pressure to do things and “do them right?” Do you struggle to FOCUS and wonder if you have ADHD? I provide thorough diagnostic evaluations, executive function coaching, and customized individual and COUPLES therapy. You will learn coping strategies, reconnect in AWE with yourself, your relationships, and life. I have had the privilege of helping clients at UCLA Medicine, The Pain Psychology Center, and Edward Hallowell ADHD Center. Certified ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), IFS, ISTDP, CBT, DBT
Do you consistently experience BURNOUT and/or chronic PAIN? Do you feel like there is a constant pressure to do things and “do them right?” Do you struggle to FOCUS and wonder if you have ADHD? I provide thorough diagnostic evaluations, executive function coaching, and customized individual and COUPLES therapy. You will learn coping strategies, reconnect in AWE with yourself, your relationships, and life. I have had the privilege of helping clients at UCLA Medicine, The Pain Psychology Center, and Edward Hallowell ADHD Center. Certified ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), IFS, ISTDP, CBT, DBT
(470) 450-3277 View (470) 450-3277
Photo of Lisa Bialy, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Lisa Bialy
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
I specialize in: relationship problems (all kinds), mind/body issues (including addictions and medical illness), anxiety/depression (including panic attacks), and work/career satisfaction (including peak performance).
I help individuals, couples, and families identify their goals, face their fears, and explore old patterns of behavior so they can make the desired changes in their lives that lead to more meaningful, happy futures as well as better relationships with themselves and others. I am interested in why we keep doing things that don't seem to work. My approach is both pragmatic and depth oriented and my style is collaborative.
I specialize in: relationship problems (all kinds), mind/body issues (including addictions and medical illness), anxiety/depression (including panic attacks), and work/career satisfaction (including peak performance).
I help individuals, couples, and families identify their goals, face their fears, and explore old patterns of behavior so they can make the desired changes in their lives that lead to more meaningful, happy futures as well as better relationships with themselves and others. I am interested in why we keep doing things that don't seem to work. My approach is both pragmatic and depth oriented and my style is collaborative.
(415) 799-8984 View (415) 799-8984
Photo of Randi Jackson, Registered Psychological Associate in San Francisco, CA
Randi Jackson
Registered Psychological Associate
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
I'm able to support a variety of concerns, including self-doubt, relationship issues, chronic illness, disordered eating, and trauma.
When you're constantly under pressure, it's easy to feel like you're stuck in survival mode. Therapy can't change the stressors you're facing today, but it can help you respond to them more effectively. As a therapist, I help women in complex, high-stress environments build tools to become more grounded and empowered in their lives. Many of my clients are burned out professionals navigating competing demands, or feeling stuck in ineffective patterns. I have specialized training in sport and performance psychology, and help my clients build skills and systems that support both well-being and high performance.
I'm able to support a variety of concerns, including self-doubt, relationship issues, chronic illness, disordered eating, and trauma.
When you're constantly under pressure, it's easy to feel like you're stuck in survival mode. Therapy can't change the stressors you're facing today, but it can help you respond to them more effectively. As a therapist, I help women in complex, high-stress environments build tools to become more grounded and empowered in their lives. Many of my clients are burned out professionals navigating competing demands, or feeling stuck in ineffective patterns. I have specialized training in sport and performance psychology, and help my clients build skills and systems that support both well-being and high performance.
(415) 741-5533 View (415) 741-5533
Photo of Cynthia Nakoski, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Cynthia Nakoski
Psychologist, LCP
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110
Dr. Cynthia (Cyndi) Nakoski, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist whose passion is assisting people with healing from traumatic/stressful experiences. Whether it be a sudden health crisis, a traumatic event, the loss of a loved one, or any other traumatic/stressful experience that causes life to unravel, Dr. Nakoski's vast experience with trauma work has solidified her understanding that finding healthy ways to cope and strengthen is possible. Dr. Nakoski specializes in the treatment of chronic pain, health challenges, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and co-occurring addiction issues.
Dr. Cynthia (Cyndi) Nakoski, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist whose passion is assisting people with healing from traumatic/stressful experiences. Whether it be a sudden health crisis, a traumatic event, the loss of a loved one, or any other traumatic/stressful experience that causes life to unravel, Dr. Nakoski's vast experience with trauma work has solidified her understanding that finding healthy ways to cope and strengthen is possible. Dr. Nakoski specializes in the treatment of chronic pain, health challenges, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and co-occurring addiction issues.
(415) 818-9791 View (415) 818-9791
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 John Beahan, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
John Beahan
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110  (Online Only)
I have experience working with depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, addiction and health-related issues like chronic disease management and chronic pain management.
I am licensed Clinical Psychologist who is trained using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Seeking Safety and Motivational Interviewing. It is my intention in therapy to develop a collaborative atmosphere to develop a treatment approach that fits the needs of the individual to improve quality of life.
I have experience working with depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, addiction and health-related issues like chronic disease management and chronic pain management.
I am licensed Clinical Psychologist who is trained using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Seeking Safety and Motivational Interviewing. It is my intention in therapy to develop a collaborative atmosphere to develop a treatment approach that fits the needs of the individual to improve quality of life.
View
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 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 Jo Sopko, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Jo Sopko
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, RDT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110
* ADULTS: I work with issues of loss, stress, anxiety, depression, abuse, sex addiction, spiritual guidance, and developmental life changes.* CHILDREN: I invite their stories that may be troubled due to emotional and academic issues. Through play, art and sand tray, I address issues of divorce, traumatic losses, abuse, adoption, bullying and low self esteem that may be affecting your children. * COUPLES: My passion is to help the couple find a yet unknown way to a compassionate, loving, open communicative relationship; to become vulnerable to the pain and wounds of each other's soul.
* ADULTS: I work with issues of loss, stress, anxiety, depression, abuse, sex addiction, spiritual guidance, and developmental life changes.* CHILDREN: I invite their stories that may be troubled due to emotional and academic issues. Through play, art and sand tray, I address issues of divorce, traumatic losses, abuse, adoption, bullying and low self esteem that may be affecting your children. * COUPLES: My passion is to help the couple find a yet unknown way to a compassionate, loving, open communicative relationship; to become vulnerable to the pain and wounds of each other's soul.
(415) 799-4143 View (415) 799-4143
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 Abbie Endres, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Abbie Endres
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94131  (Online Only)
Two guiding intentions support this work: Develop tools, awareness, and self-compassion to transform pain and suffering.
You've begun a courageous search. Take heart, healing is possible. My work is rooted in the body/mind connection, nourished by the imagination, and anchored in the support of our therapy relationship. My style includes both directing and listening. I understand that your timing and willingness to explore your concerns are unique and must be navigated with respect. We work together to take stock, talk about your goals, and gather the tools needed - from your own strengths, the training I bring, and a community of resources - to help you continue your journey of wellbeing.
Two guiding intentions support this work: Develop tools, awareness, and self-compassion to transform pain and suffering.
You've begun a courageous search. Take heart, healing is possible. My work is rooted in the body/mind connection, nourished by the imagination, and anchored in the support of our therapy relationship. My style includes both directing and listening. I understand that your timing and willingness to explore your concerns are unique and must be navigated with respect. We work together to take stock, talk about your goals, and gather the tools needed - from your own strengths, the training I bring, and a community of resources - to help you continue your journey of wellbeing.
(415) 322-3318 View (415) 322-3318
Photo of Daniel M. Kaplan, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Daniel M. Kaplan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
Finding a therapist that can help can be a daunting endeavor. Finding one who specializes in hypnosis can be even more daunting. Allow me to assist you in the difficulties of your life so that together, we might generate relief and solutions to your ongoing pain. I also utilize mindfulness based cognitive therapy to help you move past 'problems' and realize solutions as well as collaborative solution oriented approaches to help you reach your goal, in collaborative, therapeutic conversations. Allow me to help you generate the very solutions and outcomes that will help you become 'unstuck' from hurtful or ineffective patterns.
Finding a therapist that can help can be a daunting endeavor. Finding one who specializes in hypnosis can be even more daunting. Allow me to assist you in the difficulties of your life so that together, we might generate relief and solutions to your ongoing pain. I also utilize mindfulness based cognitive therapy to help you move past 'problems' and realize solutions as well as collaborative solution oriented approaches to help you reach your goal, in collaborative, therapeutic conversations. Allow me to help you generate the very solutions and outcomes that will help you become 'unstuck' from hurtful or ineffective patterns.
(415) 813-5225 View (415) 813-5225

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.