Therapists in San Francisco, CA
Julie B Robbins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94121
I have had extensive experience in: child abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, trauma, divorce, adoption, fertility, chronic illness and pain, depression and anxiety, families with special needs, learning differences, school adjustments, career changes, sexual intimacy.
After over 30 years of clinical practice I realize that getting involved in therapy takes great strength, endurance, and commitment. I am always willing to offer clients a safe environment with my own strength and commitment to do the work that needs to be done. My work with children has helped me work more effectively with adults and my work with adults have helped me work more effectively with the children.Please note that during the virus crisis I am conducting sessions both in person(with some requirements) and on a Hippa approved video therapy network.
I have had extensive experience in: child abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, trauma, divorce, adoption, fertility, chronic illness and pain, depression and anxiety, families with special needs, learning differences, school adjustments, career changes, sexual intimacy.
After over 30 years of clinical practice I realize that getting involved in therapy takes great strength, endurance, and commitment. I am always willing to offer clients a safe environment with my own strength and commitment to do the work that needs to be done. My work with children has helped me work more effectively with adults and my work with adults have helped me work more effectively with the children.Please note that during the virus crisis I am conducting sessions both in person(with some requirements) and on a Hippa approved video therapy network.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kathy Jarosz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104
A passion is the work that I do with chronic pain (TMS) which can help even longtime sufferers reduce/eliminate pain.
Are you and your partner wanting help communicating? Feeling emotionally distant? Are you frustrated by the problems with your relationship? Has there been an affair or addiction? I am a Gottman Level 3 trained couples therapist and I can help! I can offer you some leading-edge tools and resources to kick-start change. If you both want the marriage to be saved, that's exactly what we will work toward. But, if one of you is uncertain if you want to save the marriage we can discuss "Discernment Counseling". You learn what it would take to turn it around before you decide to start couples therapy. Don't postpone getting help!
A passion is the work that I do with chronic pain (TMS) which can help even longtime sufferers reduce/eliminate pain.
Are you and your partner wanting help communicating? Feeling emotionally distant? Are you frustrated by the problems with your relationship? Has there been an affair or addiction? I am a Gottman Level 3 trained couples therapist and I can help! I can offer you some leading-edge tools and resources to kick-start change. If you both want the marriage to be saved, that's exactly what we will work toward. But, if one of you is uncertain if you want to save the marriage we can discuss "Discernment Counseling". You learn what it would take to turn it around before you decide to start couples therapy. Don't postpone getting help!
Danielle R Miyasato (Aka Casden)
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
Are you or a loved one having difficulty coping with chronic illness (cancer, HIV, heart disease, diabetes, COPD, pain or other illness) or managing stress in your life? Health issues can affect every aspect of your life, including relationships, work, finances, mood, and sense of self. I have over a decade of experience helping individuals, couples and families improve the quality of life and reduce suffering. As a Clinical Health Psychologist, I take an integrative approach to psychotherapy and will work with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Are you or a loved one having difficulty coping with chronic illness (cancer, HIV, heart disease, diabetes, COPD, pain or other illness) or managing stress in your life? Health issues can affect every aspect of your life, including relationships, work, finances, mood, and sense of self. I have over a decade of experience helping individuals, couples and families improve the quality of life and reduce suffering. As a Clinical Health Psychologist, I take an integrative approach to psychotherapy and will work with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs and goals.
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.
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.
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
Leah R Finn
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94109 (Online Only)
I've successfully treated many people who have experienced anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic illness/ pain and other issues.
As your therapist, I create an environment for you to feel safe to explore fears, challenges and your deepest desires. I'm here to empower you! I'll offer a variety of techniques and collaborate with you in developing goals to co-create a therapeutic experience, facilitating healing and personal growth. I use an anti-oppression, disability justice framework and consider how ethnicity, class, gender, age, ability and sexuality intersect. My background as a community organizer for social justice informs my practice. I will tailor our work together to address your unique and specific needs and preferences.
I've successfully treated many people who have experienced anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic illness/ pain and other issues.
As your therapist, I create an environment for you to feel safe to explore fears, challenges and your deepest desires. I'm here to empower you! I'll offer a variety of techniques and collaborate with you in developing goals to co-create a therapeutic experience, facilitating healing and personal growth. I use an anti-oppression, disability justice framework and consider how ethnicity, class, gender, age, ability and sexuality intersect. My background as a community organizer for social justice informs my practice. I will tailor our work together to address your unique and specific needs and preferences.
15 Second Videos
Kathy Jarosz
Lisa A Murphy
Christina M. Charlotin
Kathryn Buys
Suhadee (Su) Henriquez
Sarah Dihmes
Marina Costanzo
Annie Brashem
Alicia Guerrero
Aliah Kristin Mestrovich Seay
Dr. Holiday Healing Psychology
Jordan Boehler
Samantha Rasmusen
Ivan Belyaev
Jhoana Sarabia
The Conscious Partnership™
Amilia Rodriguez
India B. Gomez
Saori Miyazaki
Seth Ambrose
Therapy Lab San Francisco
Kayla Haberern
W. Craig McDermit, PhD
Maureen “Eula Lys” Backman
Jessica Daniel
Claudio Zanet
Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network
Estepha Francisque
Jennifer M. Edwards
Samantha Hertz
Summer Sessions Counseling
Campbell Teen & Family Therapy, Inc.
Aaron Smith
Maryann Newsom - California Telehealth Counseling
Marcelle Little
Bronwyn Wrobel
Colin Stack-Troost
Waves, A Psych Co - Centering LGBTQI mental health
Michelle Taylor
Andrew Flynn
Jenni Moore
Travis Bauer
Juan Maillo
Michael Stephens
Kiri Maura
Healing Hearts Mental Health Services
Judy Burkle
Josephine Kelly
Robert Duff
Jyoti Nadhani
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.
Lisa A Murphy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
Are you are you struggling with anxiety, stress, weight control/obesity, emotional eating, unhealthy/excessive behaviors or a chronic illness/family member's chronic illness? You may have tried to change many times in the past without the results you want. If you are ready to break the cycle, therapy can help you make changes...for life. My approach is to welcome your whole self in therapy, including your mind, body and spirit. We'll develop specific strategies to help you get better faster
Are you are you struggling with anxiety, stress, weight control/obesity, emotional eating, unhealthy/excessive behaviors or a chronic illness/family member's chronic illness? You may have tried to change many times in the past without the results you want. If you are ready to break the cycle, therapy can help you make changes...for life. My approach is to welcome your whole self in therapy, including your mind, body and spirit. We'll develop specific strategies to help you get better faster
Roxanne Shooshani
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
Hello and welcome to your psychotherapy journey. I am here to join you as you weather life's storms. Whether it's trauma, family tensions, illness, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, loneliness, work stress, or just plain existential dread - I can support you on your healing path. I bring a breadth of experience to my sessions, including a history of therapeutic work with teens, families, the LGBTQIA community, folks with chronic pain and illnesses, college students, and elderly adults.
Hello and welcome to your psychotherapy journey. I am here to join you as you weather life's storms. Whether it's trauma, family tensions, illness, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, loneliness, work stress, or just plain existential dread - I can support you on your healing path. I bring a breadth of experience to my sessions, including a history of therapeutic work with teens, families, the LGBTQIA community, folks with chronic pain and illnesses, college students, and elderly adults.
Liz Pace
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
Waitlist for new clients
I also offer evidence based techniques that allow bodies that have experienced trauma and pain to release old patterns and become open to feeling more authentically alive.
I offer long-term and short-term therapy for adults, children, and teens. My approach is direct and compassionate. I believe therapy should be deeply comforting while also inviting you to be genuinely challenged toward real growth and healing. My goal is to create a space of trust and safety, where we can blend humor and lightness with deep, meaningful therapeutic work.
I also offer evidence based techniques that allow bodies that have experienced trauma and pain to release old patterns and become open to feeling more authentically alive.
I offer long-term and short-term therapy for adults, children, and teens. My approach is direct and compassionate. I believe therapy should be deeply comforting while also inviting you to be genuinely challenged toward real growth and healing. My goal is to create a space of trust and safety, where we can blend humor and lightness with deep, meaningful therapeutic work.
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.
Lisa Twilling
Psychologist, PhD, MS
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
Having a medical illness can be challenging.
I am a Psychologist with over 25yrs. experience working with individuals in psychotherapy. I help people who seek relief from dealing with life's challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression, stress, stress management, relationship difficulties, etc.) and life transitions. I also specialize in Medical Psychology and work with people who are coping with health issues (e.g., adjusting to a medical diagnosis, managing an illness or chronic pain, coping with a loved one who suffers with an illness). Please contact me for a free phone consultation to discuss your specific situation and goals.
Having a medical illness can be challenging.
I am a Psychologist with over 25yrs. experience working with individuals in psychotherapy. I help people who seek relief from dealing with life's challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression, stress, stress management, relationship difficulties, etc.) and life transitions. I also specialize in Medical Psychology and work with people who are coping with health issues (e.g., adjusting to a medical diagnosis, managing an illness or chronic pain, coping with a loved one who suffers with an illness). Please contact me for a free phone consultation to discuss your specific situation and goals.
Bahar Yaghoubian
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
My name is Bahar, and I provide counseling for Anxiety, Trauma, and Pain virtually to anyone living in San Francisco, Bay Area, & Los Angeles, CA.
Before your day starts, your heart and mind are already racing, your back and neck feel tense, and your stomach feels queasy. You have this feeling that you are stuck and not sure how to get out of this situation. You think to yourself, “What is happening to my life? Why do I feel this way?” Worry, fear, avoidance, racing heart and negative thoughts. In other words, Anxiety!!! It’s taking up all your energy and controlling your thoughts, emotions, and body. It feels like the anxiety is running your life.
My name is Bahar, and I provide counseling for Anxiety, Trauma, and Pain virtually to anyone living in San Francisco, Bay Area, & Los Angeles, CA.
Before your day starts, your heart and mind are already racing, your back and neck feel tense, and your stomach feels queasy. You have this feeling that you are stuck and not sure how to get out of this situation. You think to yourself, “What is happening to my life? Why do I feel this way?” Worry, fear, avoidance, racing heart and negative thoughts. In other words, Anxiety!!! It’s taking up all your energy and controlling your thoughts, emotions, and body. It feels like the anxiety is running your life.
Brooke Ferragamo
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
In our work together, we can explore deeper unconscious patterns that are causing you unnecessary pain.
I offer a grounded, warm, and personalized approach to help adolescents and adults cope with life transitions, chronic distress, trauma, and other mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. I am passionate about serving adolescents who are struggling to find their place in our rapidly changing world, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and any folks who feel as though they have difficulty fitting into society's prescribed norms. Some folks reach out with a specific goal in mind, while just as many enter therapy with more of a feeling that something is not quite right. In either case, you are welcome here.
In our work together, we can explore deeper unconscious patterns that are causing you unnecessary pain.
I offer a grounded, warm, and personalized approach to help adolescents and adults cope with life transitions, chronic distress, trauma, and other mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. I am passionate about serving adolescents who are struggling to find their place in our rapidly changing world, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and any folks who feel as though they have difficulty fitting into society's prescribed norms. Some folks reach out with a specific goal in mind, while just as many enter therapy with more of a feeling that something is not quite right. In either case, you are welcome here.
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.
See more therapy options for San Francisco
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for San Francisco
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- Daly City
- Emeryville
- Mill Valley
- Oakland
- Piedmont
- San Bruno
- Sausalito
- South San Francisco
- Tiburon
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.