Photo of Rylan Jay Testa, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Rylan Jay Testa
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
As a health psychologist, my approach bridges mental and physical well-being, allowing you to reclaim your life from chronic health issues, such as chronic disease (ex. diabetes, chronic fatigue, IBS, CIRS etc.), weight and eating difficulties, stress-related illness, insomnia, pain, addiction, depression, and anxiety. I combine my expertise in multiple state of the art evidence-based treatment methods, with a nuanced understanding of who you are as a person, to create a tailored treatment approach specific to your aims. I also offer opportunities to incorporate mindfulness, music, art, movement, and nature therapy practices, to maximize your therapeutic success.
As a health psychologist, my approach bridges mental and physical well-being, allowing you to reclaim your life from chronic health issues, such as chronic disease (ex. diabetes, chronic fatigue, IBS, CIRS etc.), weight and eating difficulties, stress-related illness, insomnia, pain, addiction, depression, and anxiety. I combine my expertise in multiple state of the art evidence-based treatment methods, with a nuanced understanding of who you are as a person, to create a tailored treatment approach specific to your aims. I also offer opportunities to incorporate mindfulness, music, art, movement, and nature therapy practices, to maximize your therapeutic success.
(415) 358-0128 View (415) 358-0128
Photo of Roger J. Kuhn, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Roger J. Kuhn
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
I focus on issues such as out of control sexual behavior, sexual dysfunctions such as erectile issues, premature and delayed ejaculation, pelvic pain, intimacy with partner issues, and sexuality exploration including behavior and gender.
I am a certified sex therapist and work with clients experiencing issues related to sexuality including performance anxiety, sexual dysfunction, or problematic sexual behavior. We will examine the triggers in your life and find resources to help you manage your challenges when they arise. My work is informed from a social and sexual justice perspective. In addition to my work as a sex therapist, I also work with anxiety, depression, and grief. I am currently seeing clients online via video conference.
I focus on issues such as out of control sexual behavior, sexual dysfunctions such as erectile issues, premature and delayed ejaculation, pelvic pain, intimacy with partner issues, and sexuality exploration including behavior and gender.
I am a certified sex therapist and work with clients experiencing issues related to sexuality including performance anxiety, sexual dysfunction, or problematic sexual behavior. We will examine the triggers in your life and find resources to help you manage your challenges when they arise. My work is informed from a social and sexual justice perspective. In addition to my work as a sex therapist, I also work with anxiety, depression, and grief. I am currently seeing clients online via video conference.
(415) 630-5758 View (415) 630-5758
Photo of Brooke Ferragamo, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
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.
(415) 639-4075 View (415) 639-4075
Photo of Reuben P. Wolff, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
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.
(415) 799-4147 View (415) 799-4147
Photo of Samuel Khanukayev, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Samuel Khanukayev
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
Prospective clients can anticipate the collaborative work of deconstructing, analyzing, and working through psychological pain.
I strive to facilitate a reflective and explorative environment where the unbearable can be held and truth can be spoken. Multicultural and bilingual elements of my identity, and a history of enduring ethnic discrimination and immigration, significantly inform how I listen to my clients, think through trauma and fragmentation with them. Unconscious repetitions of aversion, clinging, and reenactments of familiar/familial ways of being bind us in suffering. Through psychotherapy, rigid frames of being can be deconstructed and psychological space can be reclaimed for creativity, desire and becoming.
Prospective clients can anticipate the collaborative work of deconstructing, analyzing, and working through psychological pain.
I strive to facilitate a reflective and explorative environment where the unbearable can be held and truth can be spoken. Multicultural and bilingual elements of my identity, and a history of enduring ethnic discrimination and immigration, significantly inform how I listen to my clients, think through trauma and fragmentation with them. Unconscious repetitions of aversion, clinging, and reenactments of familiar/familial ways of being bind us in suffering. Through psychotherapy, rigid frames of being can be deconstructed and psychological space can be reclaimed for creativity, desire and becoming.
(510) 982-6497 View (510) 982-6497
Photo of Dr. Helge Osterhold, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Dr. Helge Osterhold
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
I'm an integrative psychotherapist working with individuals and couples. My approach is engaged and caring, providing a safe and supportive environment, where you can reflect and develop new ways of handling challenges you are facing. The focus of my practice is twofold: relationship issues and life transitions (e.g. themes like change in relationship, career changes, relocation, pregnancy, child birth and parenting, facing illness, trauma and loss as well as seeking more meaning and fulfillment in life). I have a particular expertise in working with people who immigrated to the US or have diverse cultural backgrounds.
I'm an integrative psychotherapist working with individuals and couples. My approach is engaged and caring, providing a safe and supportive environment, where you can reflect and develop new ways of handling challenges you are facing. The focus of my practice is twofold: relationship issues and life transitions (e.g. themes like change in relationship, career changes, relocation, pregnancy, child birth and parenting, facing illness, trauma and loss as well as seeking more meaning and fulfillment in life). I have a particular expertise in working with people who immigrated to the US or have diverse cultural backgrounds.
(650) 450-8918 View (650) 450-8918
Photo of John Beahan, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
John Beahan
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110  (Online Only)
I have experience working with depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, addiction and health-related issues like chronic disease management and chronic pain management.
I am licensed Clinical Psychologist who is trained using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Seeking Safety and Motivational Interviewing. It is my intention in therapy to develop a collaborative atmosphere to develop a treatment approach that fits the needs of the individual to improve quality of life.
I have experience working with depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, addiction and health-related issues like chronic disease management and chronic pain management.
I am licensed Clinical Psychologist who is trained using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Seeking Safety and Motivational Interviewing. It is my intention in therapy to develop a collaborative atmosphere to develop a treatment approach that fits the needs of the individual to improve quality of life.
View
Photo of Sean Fitzgerald, Counselor in San Francisco, CA
Sean Fitzgerald
Counselor, DMFT, LMHC, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109  (Online Only)
Do you feel unbalanced and overwhelmed? Feeling trapped by your own life? Sometimes people and life expect more and more out of us, leaving nothing for us but a full schedule and an empty life. You may also fear expressing our emotions because you're not sure what will happen if you do. Whether it’s problems with work, home life, a relationship, chronic illness or a specific event like a major transition, accident, or sudden death, I can help by providing a safe place for you to open up and feel heard.
Do you feel unbalanced and overwhelmed? Feeling trapped by your own life? Sometimes people and life expect more and more out of us, leaving nothing for us but a full schedule and an empty life. You may also fear expressing our emotions because you're not sure what will happen if you do. Whether it’s problems with work, home life, a relationship, chronic illness or a specific event like a major transition, accident, or sudden death, I can help by providing a safe place for you to open up and feel heard.
(909) 532-6100 View (909) 532-6100
Photo of Daniel Matthieu Cohen, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Daniel Matthieu Cohen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94131
I specialize in working with teens, adults, and older adults who cope with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, mental illness, and major life events.
I specialize in an integrative therapeutic approach that combines CBT, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Psychodynamic Theory. This blend is designed to help you uncover and align with your deepest values, improve self-confidence, reduce stress and suffering, and to find more richness and meaning in your life. I'm here to be in your corner, as an ally and as a guide. Additionally, as a powerful supplement for adults, I am partnered with Journey Clinical to offer legal, safe Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy that can be experienced in the comfort of my office or your home.
I specialize in working with teens, adults, and older adults who cope with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, mental illness, and major life events.
I specialize in an integrative therapeutic approach that combines CBT, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Psychodynamic Theory. This blend is designed to help you uncover and align with your deepest values, improve self-confidence, reduce stress and suffering, and to find more richness and meaning in your life. I'm here to be in your corner, as an ally and as a guide. Additionally, as a powerful supplement for adults, I am partnered with Journey Clinical to offer legal, safe Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy that can be experienced in the comfort of my office or your home.
(510) 395-8582 View (510) 395-8582
Photo of Brian King, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Brian King
Psychologist, PsyD, QME
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
, depression, anxiety, pain, self-destructive behaviors, substance use).
I seek to provide a thoughtful and reflective setting where clients develop greater understanding of their problems and limitations through honest exploration of themselves, and to bolster strengths/foster growth. I provide a friendly and open atmosphere to invite sharing of whatever thought or feeling that comes up so that they can be explored, analyzed and ultimately changed if you want. I work in a collaborative way and do not necessarily see my role as an advice giver, but as a thoughtful companion in helping you find your own solutions and understanding. I use a flexible blend of clinical techniques and theories.
, depression, anxiety, pain, self-destructive behaviors, substance use).
I seek to provide a thoughtful and reflective setting where clients develop greater understanding of their problems and limitations through honest exploration of themselves, and to bolster strengths/foster growth. I provide a friendly and open atmosphere to invite sharing of whatever thought or feeling that comes up so that they can be explored, analyzed and ultimately changed if you want. I work in a collaborative way and do not necessarily see my role as an advice giver, but as a thoughtful companion in helping you find your own solutions and understanding. I use a flexible blend of clinical techniques and theories.
(415) 991-3069 View (415) 991-3069
Photo of Mindfulness Psychotherapy, Jim Mathis LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Mindfulness Psychotherapy, Jim Mathis LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
I use the principles of Positive Psychology and Mindfulness to teach techniques that increase awareness and ability to control attention so that you can experience happiness and not be a slave to compulsive thinking. You will learn and experience living in a way that frees energy that is being spent on habitual regrets of the past and worries of the future. I can guide you through loneliness, isolation, emotional pain, grief, relationship distress and trauma.
I use the principles of Positive Psychology and Mindfulness to teach techniques that increase awareness and ability to control attention so that you can experience happiness and not be a slave to compulsive thinking. You will learn and experience living in a way that frees energy that is being spent on habitual regrets of the past and worries of the future. I can guide you through loneliness, isolation, emotional pain, grief, relationship distress and trauma.
(530) 723-1649 View (530) 723-1649
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 Christopher Scott, Licensed Psychoanalyst in San Francisco, CA
Christopher Scott
Licensed Psychoanalyst, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110  (Online Only)
I see my role as facilitating a process that helps you feel less emotional pain and greater freedom in your life.
Our work together can help if you feel undone by anxiety or frustration; stuck in grief or conflict; isolated from meaningful relationships; inhibited in your desire and creativity; held back by obsessions, repetitions, or trauma. You will be invited to speak about your life and what is on your mind in detail—past and present, fantasy and reality. I will listen closely and with care. This practice offers relief from even the deepest pain and suffering. As you understand yourself in new ways through our work, you will be able to transform your relationship to the history that weighs you down and find a way forward that is more alive.
I see my role as facilitating a process that helps you feel less emotional pain and greater freedom in your life.
Our work together can help if you feel undone by anxiety or frustration; stuck in grief or conflict; isolated from meaningful relationships; inhibited in your desire and creativity; held back by obsessions, repetitions, or trauma. You will be invited to speak about your life and what is on your mind in detail—past and present, fantasy and reality. I will listen closely and with care. This practice offers relief from even the deepest pain and suffering. As you understand yourself in new ways through our work, you will be able to transform your relationship to the history that weighs you down and find a way forward that is more alive.
(510) 990-3700 View (510) 990-3700
Photo of Jacob Donnelly, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Jacob Donnelly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94105  (Online Only)
I am a non-judgmental, active therapist, specializing in substance use/addictions, anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic pain and illness, relationships, and work stress. Prior to private practice, I was the Clinical Director at a San Francisco non-profit serving veterans. I enjoy working with adults, older adults, older teens (16+) and couples. Whether you want to get support around new changes in your life that are causing you pain and worry, or work through problems that have been with you for years, my goal is to help you feel relief, feel empowered, and work through the things that are out of your control.
I am a non-judgmental, active therapist, specializing in substance use/addictions, anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic pain and illness, relationships, and work stress. Prior to private practice, I was the Clinical Director at a San Francisco non-profit serving veterans. I enjoy working with adults, older adults, older teens (16+) and couples. Whether you want to get support around new changes in your life that are causing you pain and worry, or work through problems that have been with you for years, my goal is to help you feel relief, feel empowered, and work through the things that are out of your control.
(510) 399-1667 View (510) 399-1667
Photo of Topher McMullin, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Topher McMullin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
Hello! I am a licensed MFT with over a decade of clinical experience supporting both individuals and couples. Much of my work has focused on supporting a few specific populations including gay men and the broader LGBTQIA+ community, those struggling with anxiety, people with ADHD, and founders and other organization leaders in the Bay Area. I specialize in ACT, an evidence-based methodology rooted in mindfulness that, at its core, is about helping people get unstuck. In my work with couples, I also specialized in The Gottman Method, an evidence-based approach backed by 50 years of research.
Hello! I am a licensed MFT with over a decade of clinical experience supporting both individuals and couples. Much of my work has focused on supporting a few specific populations including gay men and the broader LGBTQIA+ community, those struggling with anxiety, people with ADHD, and founders and other organization leaders in the Bay Area. I specialize in ACT, an evidence-based methodology rooted in mindfulness that, at its core, is about helping people get unstuck. In my work with couples, I also specialized in The Gottman Method, an evidence-based approach backed by 50 years of research.
(415) 735-0303 View (415) 735-0303
Photo of Dave Cooperberg, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Dave Cooperberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94117
Feeling stuck in life, work or relationships? Living too long with anxiety or depression? Struggling with grief or trauma? Perhaps you just want to live a more joyous, lively and value centered life. Our needs often overlap between personal growth and in-depth psychotherapy. Working from the here-and-now, I have been assisting people enrich their lives since 1978.
Feeling stuck in life, work or relationships? Living too long with anxiety or depression? Struggling with grief or trauma? Perhaps you just want to live a more joyous, lively and value centered life. Our needs often overlap between personal growth and in-depth psychotherapy. Working from the here-and-now, I have been assisting people enrich their lives since 1978.
(628) 333-2193 View (628) 333-2193
Photo of Dan Zuiches MBA PhD, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Dan Zuiches MBA PhD
Psychologist, PhD, MBA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
I work with high-functioning professionals whose stressful lives are causing relationship issues, depression, or anxiety. Whether you're employee number 4 or 4,000 in your organization, if you want a therapist who is straightforward and practical to help you better manage your life, I would like to help. By talking things through with an expert you can get a better handle on your difficulties, and realize your potential.
I work with high-functioning professionals whose stressful lives are causing relationship issues, depression, or anxiety. Whether you're employee number 4 or 4,000 in your organization, if you want a therapist who is straightforward and practical to help you better manage your life, I would like to help. By talking things through with an expert you can get a better handle on your difficulties, and realize your potential.
(415) 488-8372 View (415) 488-8372
Photo of George J Moore, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
George J Moore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110  (Online Only)
You finally left the office after another long day. This should be when you can take a deep breath and relax, but it’s not. The day’s stress is still with you, and you have no way to shut it off. And in some ways, this is more comfortable for you. You’ve spent so long training yourself to ignore your own needs that it’s easier to stay focused on everyone and everything else. But lately, you’ve begun to wonder what it’s all for. You see other people enjoying full lives. Meanwhile, you’re stuck in this narrow existence. You love your career, but there must be more to life than this. It’s time to make a change.
You finally left the office after another long day. This should be when you can take a deep breath and relax, but it’s not. The day’s stress is still with you, and you have no way to shut it off. And in some ways, this is more comfortable for you. You’ve spent so long training yourself to ignore your own needs that it’s easier to stay focused on everyone and everything else. But lately, you’ve begun to wonder what it’s all for. You see other people enjoying full lives. Meanwhile, you’re stuck in this narrow existence. You love your career, but there must be more to life than this. It’s time to make a change.
(707) 309-7093 View (707) 309-7093
Photo of Steven Zlutnick, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Steven Zlutnick
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94108  (Online Only)
I have been a behavior therapist for over 40 years. I specialize in short term, problem oriented therapy, with goals generated together with the client. I try to combine a compassionate, caring, common sense approach to problems encountered in daily life with evidenced-based cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. I am Professor Emeritus of Counseling Psychology at the University of San Francisco and on the Allied Professional Staff at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. I have been training psychologists, psychiatrists and other therapists in behavior therapy for nearly 40 years and have published widely in behavior therapy and behavioral medicine.
I have been a behavior therapist for over 40 years. I specialize in short term, problem oriented therapy, with goals generated together with the client. I try to combine a compassionate, caring, common sense approach to problems encountered in daily life with evidenced-based cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. I am Professor Emeritus of Counseling Psychology at the University of San Francisco and on the Allied Professional Staff at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. I have been training psychologists, psychiatrists and other therapists in behavior therapy for nearly 40 years and have published widely in behavior therapy and behavioral medicine.
(415) 816-1855 View (415) 816-1855
Photo of Yotam Heineberg, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Yotam Heineberg
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110
I offer online video sessions as well as in-person psychotherapy sessions. I offer heart and science-based psychotherapy to growth-oriented individuals interested in deepening their capacity for resilience, coping with life’s challenges, care, connection, and meaning. Sessions are offered in person, or online via video chat. Counseling and coaching services are all informed by evidence-based psychotherapy perspectives, emphasizing primarily Compassion-Focused Therapy and related perspectives. Furthermore, I also offer psychotherapy in Hebrew.
I offer online video sessions as well as in-person psychotherapy sessions. I offer heart and science-based psychotherapy to growth-oriented individuals interested in deepening their capacity for resilience, coping with life’s challenges, care, connection, and meaning. Sessions are offered in person, or online via video chat. Counseling and coaching services are all informed by evidence-based psychotherapy perspectives, emphasizing primarily Compassion-Focused Therapy and related perspectives. Furthermore, I also offer psychotherapy in Hebrew.
(415) 901-5764 View (415) 901-5764

See more therapy options for San Francisco

Chronic Pain Therapists

How does chronic pain therapy work?

Engaging with a psychotherapist to help treat chronic pain does not mean that one’s pain is all in their head. Therapy for chronic-pain patients has been shown to benefit both the mind and the body, targeting physical symptoms and increasing daily functioning. In other words, for many, addressing their emotional health through therapy affects their physical health. A therapist can help a client challenge unhelpful thoughts about pain and develop new ways to respond to it, such as distraction or calming breathing techniques. Studies have found that therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain cases of chronic pain and many doctors recommend trying psychotherapy in advance of considering invasive surgery.

What are the most effective treatment options for chronic pain?

Stress, anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, ruminating, lack of activity, and social withdrawal all make chronic pain worse. Addressing these issues, research shows, can help people gain control over their pain symptoms. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, along with greater pain-management education, have been found to help people reduce fear and disability.

Are there new treatments for chronic pain?

Many cases of chronic pain, particularly those involving back pain, remain medically unexplained. But there is evidence that changes in the brain or nervous system are caused by previous physical ailments such as tissue damage; in such cases, the brain may continue to send out pain signals despite the physical cause having healed. To aid patients under these circumstances, a recently developed treatment known as pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) is designed to help the brain “unlearn” this response. A PRT practitioner helps individuals to reduce the “threat value” of their ongoing pain signals until they can reappraise them as less threatening and fear-inducing. They also help an individual to develop new emotional regulation skills.

How long does therapy for chronic pain take?

There is no set timeline for recovery from chronic pain, especially as there may be a range of physical and psychological causes for any individual’s discomfort, but most patients should expect to see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions. Studies of pain reprocessing therapy found that many individuals’ experience of pain lessened in eight sessions over four weeks.