Therapists 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.
Ilene Rich-Holtzberg Ph.D.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104
My specialty areas are substance abuse, couples issues, eating disorders, life coaching, bariatric surgery issues, infertility/adoption, helping caregivers cope with dealing with a loved one's chronic illness.
My focus is to develop a relationship with the client. This is called the two person model which is different than the old fashion practice where the doctor is one up and the client is one down. Rather, the two person model attempts to understand the client through questions and mutual discussion. I am not a silent therapist. I give feedback and remain fully engaged with the patient. Together we build a rapport. I adhere to a humanistic approach.
My specialty areas are substance abuse, couples issues, eating disorders, life coaching, bariatric surgery issues, infertility/adoption, helping caregivers cope with dealing with a loved one's chronic illness.
My focus is to develop a relationship with the client. This is called the two person model which is different than the old fashion practice where the doctor is one up and the client is one down. Rather, the two person model attempts to understand the client through questions and mutual discussion. I am not a silent therapist. I give feedback and remain fully engaged with the patient. Together we build a rapport. I adhere to a humanistic approach.
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.
Dr. Christina M. Charlotin
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94108
I specialize in working with adults who experience depression, anxiety disorders (agoraphobia, panic disorder, social anxiety, specific phobias), OCD, insomnia, chronic pain, relationship challenges, heartbreak, phase-of-life stressors, procrastination behaviors & LGBTQ/Race related challenges.
In our work together, my intention is to help you break away from the maladaptive thought patterns, emotions, actions, and external circumstances that keep you stuck in an unwanted experience. My goal is to help you create progress towards the life you do want for yourself. I’ll want to understand the changes you’d like to see in yourself. With this in mind, I’ll want to identify the behaviors you’d like to demonstrate, the lasting emotions you’d like to feel, and the outcomes you’d like to see present themselves in your life. With that information, we'll set the overall goals for therapy. Now providing Psychedelic Assisted Therapy.
I specialize in working with adults who experience depression, anxiety disorders (agoraphobia, panic disorder, social anxiety, specific phobias), OCD, insomnia, chronic pain, relationship challenges, heartbreak, phase-of-life stressors, procrastination behaviors & LGBTQ/Race related challenges.
In our work together, my intention is to help you break away from the maladaptive thought patterns, emotions, actions, and external circumstances that keep you stuck in an unwanted experience. My goal is to help you create progress towards the life you do want for yourself. I’ll want to understand the changes you’d like to see in yourself. With this in mind, I’ll want to identify the behaviors you’d like to demonstrate, the lasting emotions you’d like to feel, and the outcomes you’d like to see present themselves in your life. With that information, we'll set the overall goals for therapy. Now providing Psychedelic Assisted Therapy.
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.
Shira Appell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
So much of our pain occurs in relationship to others, and I believe it can be helpful to find healing in relationship as well.
Do you feel like you aren't good enough? Do you struggle with issues of self esteem or self worth? Do you want to explore mind-body connection & the way stress or emotional pain lives in our bodies? If these are themes for you or in your relationships, then perhaps we might work well together. I center my work around self compassion. Only from a place of self kindness can we feel grounded within ourselves to develop a compassionate relationship with others around us. I use mindfulness and somatic body oriented work in order to help us connect deeper with our self, our inner knowing and to be able to cultivate trust with ourselves.
So much of our pain occurs in relationship to others, and I believe it can be helpful to find healing in relationship as well.
Do you feel like you aren't good enough? Do you struggle with issues of self esteem or self worth? Do you want to explore mind-body connection & the way stress or emotional pain lives in our bodies? If these are themes for you or in your relationships, then perhaps we might work well together. I center my work around self compassion. Only from a place of self kindness can we feel grounded within ourselves to develop a compassionate relationship with others around us. I use mindfulness and somatic body oriented work in order to help us connect deeper with our self, our inner knowing and to be able to cultivate trust with ourselves.
Ida Vandaei
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94111
Are you hoping to find a solution out of a specific problem? Are you looking to make improvements in your life but just don't know where to start? Do you struggle coping with a chronic illness or chronic pain disorder? Do you find yourself feeling "stuck", unmotivated, or unable to experience the same joy as before? Are you constantly worried about something bad happening? Are you having difficulty sleeping? Have you experienced a loss, whether it's the death of a loved one or the loss of a future life you imagined? Is your relationship on the rocks or suffered broken trust? Is anxiety taking over your life?
Are you hoping to find a solution out of a specific problem? Are you looking to make improvements in your life but just don't know where to start? Do you struggle coping with a chronic illness or chronic pain disorder? Do you find yourself feeling "stuck", unmotivated, or unable to experience the same joy as before? Are you constantly worried about something bad happening? Are you having difficulty sleeping? Have you experienced a loss, whether it's the death of a loved one or the loss of a future life you imagined? Is your relationship on the rocks or suffered broken trust? Is anxiety taking over your life?
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
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.
Linda Dolan
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
In my experience, what brings people to psychotherapy is a personal struggle, perhaps a sense of feeling stuck or that something is missing, though what specifically is missing is not known. I work with feelings of frustration or disappointment expressed as anxiety or fear, to explore and understand the origin of feelings that keep us from achieving personal goals. I am experienced with life transitions, such as a change in career, becoming a parent, diagnosis of a chronic illness or considerations for retirement. Bringing these challenges into therapy can be illuminating and productive and help us move out of anxiety.
In my experience, what brings people to psychotherapy is a personal struggle, perhaps a sense of feeling stuck or that something is missing, though what specifically is missing is not known. I work with feelings of frustration or disappointment expressed as anxiety or fear, to explore and understand the origin of feelings that keep us from achieving personal goals. I am experienced with life transitions, such as a change in career, becoming a parent, diagnosis of a chronic illness or considerations for retirement. Bringing these challenges into therapy can be illuminating and productive and help us move out of anxiety.
Rebecca A. Ward
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MA, LMFT, SEP, PCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94117 (Online Only)
Regardless of your suffering, there is a way through it and because we each have our own way of processing emotional wounds, I take an individualized approach to help you transform pain into healing. I specialize in addressing trauma and grief. This includes the loss of a loved one, traumatic loss (event-related, developmental), as well as psychological symptoms associated with chronic and terminal illness. Through an integrated approach, my work is about healing the soul and finding light in the darkness despite facing life-threatening conditions afflicting the body, mind, heart, and spirit.
Regardless of your suffering, there is a way through it and because we each have our own way of processing emotional wounds, I take an individualized approach to help you transform pain into healing. I specialize in addressing trauma and grief. This includes the loss of a loved one, traumatic loss (event-related, developmental), as well as psychological symptoms associated with chronic and terminal illness. Through an integrated approach, my work is about healing the soul and finding light in the darkness despite facing life-threatening conditions afflicting the body, mind, heart, and spirit.
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CMHT, CCHT, RBT, CLC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
If you've been journeying into self discovery and growth and are ready for a gentle quantum leap into your unique power, beauty and ability to express and collaborate with your multi-dimensional self, consider the potential rewards of learning to quickly and easily journey into your mind and body to explore, encounter and understand ways you can heal the pain of your despair and serve your highest purpose in fulfilling ways.
Our work together will honor all aspects of you and all experiences you have endured and survived, as you successfully close completed chapters and author new satisfying successes.
If you've been journeying into self discovery and growth and are ready for a gentle quantum leap into your unique power, beauty and ability to express and collaborate with your multi-dimensional self, consider the potential rewards of learning to quickly and easily journey into your mind and body to explore, encounter and understand ways you can heal the pain of your despair and serve your highest purpose in fulfilling ways.
Our work together will honor all aspects of you and all experiences you have endured and survived, as you successfully close completed chapters and author new satisfying successes.
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.
Phuong Le
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
I use humor and compassion to provide some reprieve from personal pain and offer honesty to dispel personal inaccurate myths.
Hello, My name is Phuong Le. I am a Vietnamese bilingual psychotherapist who would like to bring therapy to people who feel therapy is only accessible to just the few. I am particularly passionate about offering services to people experiencing marginalization. I have been trained in psychodynamic approaches, objects-relations theory, cognitive behavioral therapy approaches and use mindfulness as an integral part of of work with clients. I have worked as a direct service clinician, manager, Clinical Supervisor, and overseeing contracts for mental health provider agencies. I have dedicatedly career to empower and enhance the voice
I use humor and compassion to provide some reprieve from personal pain and offer honesty to dispel personal inaccurate myths.
Hello, My name is Phuong Le. I am a Vietnamese bilingual psychotherapist who would like to bring therapy to people who feel therapy is only accessible to just the few. I am particularly passionate about offering services to people experiencing marginalization. I have been trained in psychodynamic approaches, objects-relations theory, cognitive behavioral therapy approaches and use mindfulness as an integral part of of work with clients. I have worked as a direct service clinician, manager, Clinical Supervisor, and overseeing contracts for mental health provider agencies. I have dedicatedly career to empower and enhance the voice
Michelle Susan Webber
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102 (Online Only)
I have worked with couples, individuals, and families, adolescents in crisis, the LGBTQ+ community, women in treatment, addicts/recovering addicts, HIV and AIDS, sufferers of chronic pain, people dealing with grief and loss, and those interested in pursuing mindfulness.
Licensed in both California and Connecticut - Psychotherapist, Addiction Specialist and Life Coach. Living life to the fullest is an adventure. It takes courage to go forward, to harness the power within. This is where Psychotherapy and Life Coaching meet. This is an opportunity to help you make smart choices and assist you in finding a sense of peace and acceptance while you move forward in your life. I am available to help you reach your personal and professional goals. I have studied mindfulness and work with clients who want to know more about it and embrace it. I look forward to hearing from you.
I have worked with couples, individuals, and families, adolescents in crisis, the LGBTQ+ community, women in treatment, addicts/recovering addicts, HIV and AIDS, sufferers of chronic pain, people dealing with grief and loss, and those interested in pursuing mindfulness.
Licensed in both California and Connecticut - Psychotherapist, Addiction Specialist and Life Coach. Living life to the fullest is an adventure. It takes courage to go forward, to harness the power within. This is where Psychotherapy and Life Coaching meet. This is an opportunity to help you make smart choices and assist you in finding a sense of peace and acceptance while you move forward in your life. I am available to help you reach your personal and professional goals. I have studied mindfulness and work with clients who want to know more about it and embrace it. I look forward to hearing from you.
Shannon Knorr
Pre-Licensed Professional, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94101 (Online Only)
I enjoy in working with; self esteem & worth, trauma healing & recovery, body image & body positivity, disordered eating & relationship to body, belonging as our birthright, transforming deep shame into liberation, body & sex shame, relationships and boundaries, anxiety, stress & hyper-vigilance, nervous system imbalances, life transitions & identity, honoring grief, loss & death, life threatening illness, cancer, auto-immune disease, rites of passage, aging, adolescence, menopause, women's empowerment, highly sensitive people & empaths, people pleasers, intergenerational trauma & ancestral healing, mothering & the mother wound.
I enjoy in working with; self esteem & worth, trauma healing & recovery, body image & body positivity, disordered eating & relationship to body, belonging as our birthright, transforming deep shame into liberation, body & sex shame, relationships and boundaries, anxiety, stress & hyper-vigilance, nervous system imbalances, life transitions & identity, honoring grief, loss & death, life threatening illness, cancer, auto-immune disease, rites of passage, aging, adolescence, menopause, women's empowerment, highly sensitive people & empaths, people pleasers, intergenerational trauma & ancestral healing, mothering & the mother wound.
J Lynne Heart Coach
MSW, CHT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94103 (Online Only)
Are you in pain? Do you feel stuck? Get help to lose the weight or to quit smoking now.
Coach J. Lynne specializes in women's facilitation. Feel deeply calm and see clearly within to feel healing. Clients often see into their own real-time observation of their life from deep inside. She guides individuals ready to change, through the process of changing, helping them land in their new lifestyle of a healed outlook and feeling better. This typically feels good, gaining new confidence, freedom from pain (physical or emotional), and quitting bad habits such as smoking, binge-eating, and other compulsions such as hand-washing or codependency. If you are ready to take action and make a change Coach J. Lynne is a fit!
Are you in pain? Do you feel stuck? Get help to lose the weight or to quit smoking now.
Coach J. Lynne specializes in women's facilitation. Feel deeply calm and see clearly within to feel healing. Clients often see into their own real-time observation of their life from deep inside. She guides individuals ready to change, through the process of changing, helping them land in their new lifestyle of a healed outlook and feeling better. This typically feels good, gaining new confidence, freedom from pain (physical or emotional), and quitting bad habits such as smoking, binge-eating, and other compulsions such as hand-washing or codependency. If you are ready to take action and make a change Coach J. Lynne is a fit!
Su Jin Feuer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94105 (Online Only)
Additionally, I work well with clients and families impacted by illness, grief and loss.
For over 20 years, I have counseled individuals, couples and families on health, relationships, career and life transitions. Licensed in New York and California, I am a psychotherapist and consultant providing virtual therapy. Rooted in attachment theory, I see adults seeking individual therapy and couples therapy. I am a graduate of Columbia University and Ackerman Institute for the Family. I practice relational, psychodynamic therapy, family systems, and EMDR. My areas of specialty are health psychology, relationships, life and career transitions, self esteem and performance.
Additionally, I work well with clients and families impacted by illness, grief and loss.
For over 20 years, I have counseled individuals, couples and families on health, relationships, career and life transitions. Licensed in New York and California, I am a psychotherapist and consultant providing virtual therapy. Rooted in attachment theory, I see adults seeking individual therapy and couples therapy. I am a graduate of Columbia University and Ackerman Institute for the Family. I practice relational, psychodynamic therapy, family systems, and EMDR. My areas of specialty are health psychology, relationships, life and career transitions, self esteem and performance.
Be Mindful and Well, PhD
PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94101 (Online Only)
3- Grief and loss 4-Terminal illness 5- Family/Couples conflict and relationship issues 6- transition from school to college and adaptation to college.
We provide a holistic mental health coaching/counseling committed to personal, social and professional growth. Our professionals are expert professors, PhD, MA, BS in the field of health and counseling, and serving clients of all ages, and organizations for more than 20yrs.The center provides: 1- life coaching to women for varied health concerns: Nutritional counseling/ concerns for women, children, students, chronic diseases; Adaptation to pregnancy; Postpartum; menopause; Dealing with aging process; health concerns, and chronic diseases, parenting issues, adolescence challenges, body image, and skin problems and concerns.
3- Grief and loss 4-Terminal illness 5- Family/Couples conflict and relationship issues 6- transition from school to college and adaptation to college.
We provide a holistic mental health coaching/counseling committed to personal, social and professional growth. Our professionals are expert professors, PhD, MA, BS in the field of health and counseling, and serving clients of all ages, and organizations for more than 20yrs.The center provides: 1- life coaching to women for varied health concerns: Nutritional counseling/ concerns for women, children, students, chronic diseases; Adaptation to pregnancy; Postpartum; menopause; Dealing with aging process; health concerns, and chronic diseases, parenting issues, adolescence challenges, body image, and skin problems and concerns.
Dr. Kathryn Star Gutierrrez
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
My professional voyage has traversed healthcare, the realm of workers' compensation, and the corridors of education, all of which have endowed me with a rich tapestry of skills. I’m Kathryn Gutierrez, Ph.D., clinical psychologist, educator, and artist specializing in the art of healing. I focus on patients who grapple with the weight of chronic pain, dance with the shadows of anxiety and depression, and bear the scars of trauma. I typically treat adults, who often have a physical injury followed by a sequela of chronic pain. Additionally I treat patients who are struggling with anxiety and depression.
My professional voyage has traversed healthcare, the realm of workers' compensation, and the corridors of education, all of which have endowed me with a rich tapestry of skills. I’m Kathryn Gutierrez, Ph.D., clinical psychologist, educator, and artist specializing in the art of healing. I focus on patients who grapple with the weight of chronic pain, dance with the shadows of anxiety and depression, and bear the scars of trauma. I typically treat adults, who often have a physical injury followed by a sequela of chronic pain. Additionally I treat patients who are struggling with anxiety and depression.
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Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for San Francisco
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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.