Photo of Leslie R Davis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Leslie R Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, JD, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
Perhaps you are seeking a path of self-exploration or struggling with anxiety, depression or low self-esteem. You may need some additional time to talk and make some sense out the barriers to your personal goals. Or you may desire to learn practical skills to cope with your pain. Every person is unique, which means that our time together would be tailored to your particular needs based on cultural background, family dynamics and personal values. Either way, I will be present with you and assist you as you journey toward a meaningful life.
Perhaps you are seeking a path of self-exploration or struggling with anxiety, depression or low self-esteem. You may need some additional time to talk and make some sense out the barriers to your personal goals. Or you may desire to learn practical skills to cope with your pain. Every person is unique, which means that our time together would be tailored to your particular needs based on cultural background, family dynamics and personal values. Either way, I will be present with you and assist you as you journey toward a meaningful life.
(415) 366-0587 View (415) 366-0587
Photo of Irene Schell Capuchino, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Irene Schell Capuchino
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
My approach to counseling begins with careful listening to understand your unique situation and personal goals. I will listen without judging you or rushing to a quick fix that might not be applicable for your specific situation. Many of my clients enter counseling feeling alone or overwhelmed by feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, or stress. They may feel stuck in painful relationships that aren't working, or stuck with intense feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, dread, or inner pain. My treatment approach is gentle, educational, and experiential.
My approach to counseling begins with careful listening to understand your unique situation and personal goals. I will listen without judging you or rushing to a quick fix that might not be applicable for your specific situation. Many of my clients enter counseling feeling alone or overwhelmed by feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, or stress. They may feel stuck in painful relationships that aren't working, or stuck with intense feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, dread, or inner pain. My treatment approach is gentle, educational, and experiential.
(510) 343-7798 View (510) 343-7798
Photo of Alena Y. N. Gittens, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Alena Y. N. Gittens
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94103  (Online Only)
Sometimes in life we get overwhelmed, feel stuck, and hopeless. Sometimes it can feel as though things keep piling up against us and it can be hard to feel complete. Some people may experience this emotionally, others more physically. Different things trigger these responses in us and make it hard for us to thrive. Whether it is the pandemic, trauma, depression, anxiety, family or relational conflict, self-esteem issues, racial injustice, or grief, having an outlet to make space for this discomfort can help alleviate the pain and move you towards a place of healing.
Sometimes in life we get overwhelmed, feel stuck, and hopeless. Sometimes it can feel as though things keep piling up against us and it can be hard to feel complete. Some people may experience this emotionally, others more physically. Different things trigger these responses in us and make it hard for us to thrive. Whether it is the pandemic, trauma, depression, anxiety, family or relational conflict, self-esteem issues, racial injustice, or grief, having an outlet to make space for this discomfort can help alleviate the pain and move you towards a place of healing.
(650) 337-3783 View (650) 337-3783
Photo of Jordan Boehler, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Jordan Boehler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
If you could let go of anything, what would it be? I provide short-term, intensive therapy that resolves the cause of your issue. I am a practitioner of Mimetic Therapies. This means I facilitate profound and transformational experiences in the resolution of Trauma/PTSD and Grief/Loss, as well as panic, depression, phobia, and pain for anyone- regardless of background- interested in feeling better. My ideal client is done talking about it, done doing workbooks, done understanding the cause. I connect deeply and directly with the parts of you that have been trying so hard to protect and heal your self and cause them to collaborate.
If you could let go of anything, what would it be? I provide short-term, intensive therapy that resolves the cause of your issue. I am a practitioner of Mimetic Therapies. This means I facilitate profound and transformational experiences in the resolution of Trauma/PTSD and Grief/Loss, as well as panic, depression, phobia, and pain for anyone- regardless of background- interested in feeling better. My ideal client is done talking about it, done doing workbooks, done understanding the cause. I connect deeply and directly with the parts of you that have been trying so hard to protect and heal your self and cause them to collaborate.
(925) 248-3871 View (925) 248-3871
Photo of Dr. Kathryn Star Gutierrrez, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
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.
(818) 726-7594 View (818) 726-7594
Photo of Samantha Rasmusen, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Samantha Rasmusen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110  (Online Only)
Are you ready to heal? Ready to break unhealthy patterns that no longer serve you? I can help. I aim to create a therapeutic relationship and setting that is a living sanctuary for your heart and soul. In the darkest night of unimaginable pain and grief, one hand to hold, one heart to listen, can be all that's needed to make it until the sun rises again.
Are you ready to heal? Ready to break unhealthy patterns that no longer serve you? I can help. I aim to create a therapeutic relationship and setting that is a living sanctuary for your heart and soul. In the darkest night of unimaginable pain and grief, one hand to hold, one heart to listen, can be all that's needed to make it until the sun rises again.
(530) 435-7641 View (530) 435-7641
Photo of Sterling Walker, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Sterling Walker
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
Throughout our lives, we all have experienced feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger. These emotions leave you feeling insecure, shameful, lonely, unworthy and stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior. Trauma can have negative emotional and physical effects and can lead to family/relationship issues. I specialize in solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and CBT. These approaches allow me to work with the client to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression and other health/behavioral issues.
Throughout our lives, we all have experienced feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger. These emotions leave you feeling insecure, shameful, lonely, unworthy and stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior. Trauma can have negative emotional and physical effects and can lead to family/relationship issues. I specialize in solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and CBT. These approaches allow me to work with the client to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression and other health/behavioral issues.
(415) 840-3997 View (415) 840-3997
Photo of Joe Ninomiya, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Joe Ninomiya
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110
My name is Joe Ninomiya, and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) working with a wide variety of clients throughout California via telehealth. My clients range from children to adults of all ages. I am able to assist with each stage of life. Whether it be Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, traumatic brain injury, or adjustment to disability.
My name is Joe Ninomiya, and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) working with a wide variety of clients throughout California via telehealth. My clients range from children to adults of all ages. I am able to assist with each stage of life. Whether it be Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, traumatic brain injury, or adjustment to disability.
(415) 903-9309 View (415) 903-9309
Photo of Doris Lai-Ming Tang, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Doris Lai-Ming Tang
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94122  (Online Only)
Doris is a licensed therapist who has extensive experience working with a diverse population, including children, young adults, older adults, and Asian clients. She speaks Cantonese and conversational Mandarin. Her approach is warm, collaborative, and person-centered.
Doris is a licensed therapist who has extensive experience working with a diverse population, including children, young adults, older adults, and Asian clients. She speaks Cantonese and conversational Mandarin. Her approach is warm, collaborative, and person-centered.
(415) 723-1813 View (415) 723-1813
Photo of Melissa Bright, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Melissa Bright
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94103  (Online Only)
Are you looking for a dependable therapist who has extensive training in trauma-informed-care? Melissa provides Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She is a culturally sensitive and competent marriage and family therapist with specialized training supporting those affected by adoption, foster, and kin caregiving.
Are you looking for a dependable therapist who has extensive training in trauma-informed-care? Melissa provides Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She is a culturally sensitive and competent marriage and family therapist with specialized training supporting those affected by adoption, foster, and kin caregiving.
(415) 367-0931 View (415) 367-0931
Photo of Melissa Spina-Brown, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Melissa Spina-Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94103  (Online Only)
I'm thrilled you are here. Therapy is a journey of getting to know your real self. Difficult at times, therapy is worth it! I am a client centered, strength-based therapist. I want to collaborate with you within your own value system and worldview, help you uncover what's truly important to you, and live your life in a way that's aligned with your true self. Together we will highlight your strengths and resources. I especially love to work with clients who are new to therapy. For those who benefit from homework, I have a treasure trove of take home resources to help you stay in-tune between sessions.
I'm thrilled you are here. Therapy is a journey of getting to know your real self. Difficult at times, therapy is worth it! I am a client centered, strength-based therapist. I want to collaborate with you within your own value system and worldview, help you uncover what's truly important to you, and live your life in a way that's aligned with your true self. Together we will highlight your strengths and resources. I especially love to work with clients who are new to therapy. For those who benefit from homework, I have a treasure trove of take home resources to help you stay in-tune between sessions.
(415) 825-7170 View (415) 825-7170
Photo of Gerardo Salinas, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Gerardo Salinas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
My name is Gerardo Salinas. I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Therapist for more than 12 years. I have experience working with adults, youth, and families from varied life experiences. I enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds. I offer Talk, Play Therapy, Mindfulness, Art Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help resolve conflict, improve communication, and work to resolve trauma with both children and adults. Another focus I have is on early attachment and developmental needs. I also offer parent coaching to help with challenging behaviors at school or in the home.
My name is Gerardo Salinas. I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Therapist for more than 12 years. I have experience working with adults, youth, and families from varied life experiences. I enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds. I offer Talk, Play Therapy, Mindfulness, Art Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help resolve conflict, improve communication, and work to resolve trauma with both children and adults. Another focus I have is on early attachment and developmental needs. I also offer parent coaching to help with challenging behaviors at school or in the home.
(442) 259-6410 View (442) 259-6410
Photo of Caci B Tassano, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Caci B Tassano
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
New session times available as of 9/1/2023 . Are you struggling with relationships, work stress, or feeling isolated? Often people who come to see me for therapy are facing combined challenges including anxiety, depression and work stress. In therapy you and I will develop a therapeutic partnership and a collaborative, supportive space to help you reach your goals.
New session times available as of 9/1/2023 . Are you struggling with relationships, work stress, or feeling isolated? Often people who come to see me for therapy are facing combined challenges including anxiety, depression and work stress. In therapy you and I will develop a therapeutic partnership and a collaborative, supportive space to help you reach your goals.
(831) 713-1895 View (831) 713-1895
Photo of Clare Lewis, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Clare Lewis
Psychologist, LCP
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94121
Hi there, I'm Clare. I am a licensed psychologist who is passionate about helping clients overcome the daily struggles we all deal with in life, that are often related to ongoing issues. My goal is to assist with your personal growth and healing and to learn better techniques for coping. I am also a licensed physical therapist, so I believe in a holistic approach that incorporates mind and body. I typically work with adjustment disorders but also eating disorders, anxiety and depression, OCD, trauma, relationship issues/couples, childhood abuse, addiction of all kinds, and ADHD/ADD.
Hi there, I'm Clare. I am a licensed psychologist who is passionate about helping clients overcome the daily struggles we all deal with in life, that are often related to ongoing issues. My goal is to assist with your personal growth and healing and to learn better techniques for coping. I am also a licensed physical therapist, so I believe in a holistic approach that incorporates mind and body. I typically work with adjustment disorders but also eating disorders, anxiety and depression, OCD, trauma, relationship issues/couples, childhood abuse, addiction of all kinds, and ADHD/ADD.
(619) 724-4102 View (619) 724-4102
Photo of Marcelle Little, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Marcelle Little
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MPH, MA
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94133  (Online Only)
Do you feel overwhelmed by relationship issues, people-pleasing, emotional responses, or planned or unexpected change? Codependency, heightened sensitivity, life transitions, and trauma show up in many ways of life, and it looks different for everyone. Maybe you care deeply, but aren’t always in the most supportive environments, personally or professionally. You might question yourself often and might even feel like an imposter. Perhaps you are grounded, but this life transition is pulling the rug out beneath you. It’s hard to not take it personally and listen to those negative thoughts, anxiety further instills them.
Do you feel overwhelmed by relationship issues, people-pleasing, emotional responses, or planned or unexpected change? Codependency, heightened sensitivity, life transitions, and trauma show up in many ways of life, and it looks different for everyone. Maybe you care deeply, but aren’t always in the most supportive environments, personally or professionally. You might question yourself often and might even feel like an imposter. Perhaps you are grounded, but this life transition is pulling the rug out beneath you. It’s hard to not take it personally and listen to those negative thoughts, anxiety further instills them.
(424) 326-1651 View (424) 326-1651
Photo of Rachel Roos Pokorney, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Rachel Roos Pokorney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
Not Accepting New Patients Until August 2024 I am an easy to relate to therapist who has an uncanny ability to balance warmth and validation with being genuine and direct. I will collaborate with you to determine the way of relating, therapeutic style, and specific therapy interventions that make you feel most comfortable and are the most successful. I will use my expert training and education, using a growth oriented approach, to help you recover from depression, manage anxiety, improve your relationships (work, family, friendships, and romantic), and cope with general life stressors.
Not Accepting New Patients Until August 2024 I am an easy to relate to therapist who has an uncanny ability to balance warmth and validation with being genuine and direct. I will collaborate with you to determine the way of relating, therapeutic style, and specific therapy interventions that make you feel most comfortable and are the most successful. I will use my expert training and education, using a growth oriented approach, to help you recover from depression, manage anxiety, improve your relationships (work, family, friendships, and romantic), and cope with general life stressors.
(917) 924-6341 View (917) 924-6341
Photo of Laura Beann, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Laura Beann
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
I approach psychotherapy from a whole-person perspective and I believe therapy, along with other practices, can help us awaken to a life of meaning. In therapy I will help you identify the source of your longing to be whole, and together, we will move closer to that source, so you become re-sourced. Together we will explore your innate natural cycles and help you align to your own rhythm, so that you might meet depletion with rest and energy with creativity.
I approach psychotherapy from a whole-person perspective and I believe therapy, along with other practices, can help us awaken to a life of meaning. In therapy I will help you identify the source of your longing to be whole, and together, we will move closer to that source, so you become re-sourced. Together we will explore your innate natural cycles and help you align to your own rhythm, so that you might meet depletion with rest and energy with creativity.
(650) 547-3560 View (650) 547-3560
Photo of Kirby Wohlander, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Kirby Wohlander
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94121
Kirby Wohlander, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), has a broad range of experience that includes working with individuals, couples, and families, in inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, and providing treatment to a wide range of adult clients. During his many years of experience, he has worked in multiple human service settings, is familiar with the challenges presented by: military life, developmental and other disabilities, being a worker or manager in a complex organization, raising a family, balancing work and family, and substance use.
Kirby Wohlander, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), has a broad range of experience that includes working with individuals, couples, and families, in inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, and providing treatment to a wide range of adult clients. During his many years of experience, he has worked in multiple human service settings, is familiar with the challenges presented by: military life, developmental and other disabilities, being a worker or manager in a complex organization, raising a family, balancing work and family, and substance use.
(951) 744-9193 View (951) 744-9193
Photo of Jacqueline Miranda, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Jacqueline Miranda
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94134
Hello! My name is Jacqueline Miranda, I'm an LMFT and I have been working in the field 8 years. Some of my areas of focus include working with couples, individuals, and children utilizing a trauma informed approach. I primarily work with children, and I am also comfortable working with adults struggling with depression, anxiety and trauma. My approach tends to be person centered, trauma focused, and humanistic.
Hello! My name is Jacqueline Miranda, I'm an LMFT and I have been working in the field 8 years. Some of my areas of focus include working with couples, individuals, and children utilizing a trauma informed approach. I primarily work with children, and I am also comfortable working with adults struggling with depression, anxiety and trauma. My approach tends to be person centered, trauma focused, and humanistic.
(858) 463-6719 View (858) 463-6719
Photo of Annmarie Rotan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Annmarie Rotan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
My name is AnnMarie Rotan and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in 3 states working with clients via telehealth. I work with adults in all phases of life from college through retirement to identify how to manage barriers keeping them from achieving their best quality of life. My therapeutic approach is holistic based on the needs of every individual which can change as we move through the process together. I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy due to its versatility but am comfortable using numerous other approaches as needed.
My name is AnnMarie Rotan and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in 3 states working with clients via telehealth. I work with adults in all phases of life from college through retirement to identify how to manage barriers keeping them from achieving their best quality of life. My therapeutic approach is holistic based on the needs of every individual which can change as we move through the process together. I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy due to its versatility but am comfortable using numerous other approaches as needed.
(916) 527-9729 View (916) 527-9729

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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.