Photo of Lucia C Cargill in San Francisco, CA
Lucia C Cargill
PhD, MSN, MA, PHN, FNP-C
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110
l am a cross-cultural specialist with a PhD in Medical Anthropology & a Family Nurse Practitioner with 15 years in psychiatric, pain & primary care practice.
Greetings! Welcome to our multidisciplinary, holistic, integrative mental health coaching practice. We are open to new ideas from Integrative/Functional Medicine, supportive care for your psychiatric needs, drug free care, and nutritional support. We believe whole body health is the best way to good brain health. Good brain health impacts mental health. We invite you to a different approach to brain health and mental health through coaching and support for referrals to the best functional medicine providers sourcing balance, resolution of inflammation & for all your whole body-mind-spirit healing. We invite you to join us for care.
l am a cross-cultural specialist with a PhD in Medical Anthropology & a Family Nurse Practitioner with 15 years in psychiatric, pain & primary care practice.
Greetings! Welcome to our multidisciplinary, holistic, integrative mental health coaching practice. We are open to new ideas from Integrative/Functional Medicine, supportive care for your psychiatric needs, drug free care, and nutritional support. We believe whole body health is the best way to good brain health. Good brain health impacts mental health. We invite you to a different approach to brain health and mental health through coaching and support for referrals to the best functional medicine providers sourcing balance, resolution of inflammation & for all your whole body-mind-spirit healing. We invite you to join us for care.
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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 Lusa Hung, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Lusa Hung
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94122  (Online Only)
Turning pain and loss into wisdom, guilt into gratitude, and shifting from avoidance to awareness are ways that can be helpful.
I practice exclusively with online clients residing in WA, CA & NY. I am out of network for all insurance panels. Psychology has always been a passion of mine in some shape or form. I have 14 yrs of clinical experience working with culturally diverse populations in international and domestic settings. My approach is mindfulness-based with a blend of CBT, person-centered therapy and Motivational Interviewing. I have expertise treating a wide range of psychological issues spanning the spectrum of depression, trauma/anxiety, relationship difficulties, and life adjustments, serving people across the lifespan and in different settings.
Turning pain and loss into wisdom, guilt into gratitude, and shifting from avoidance to awareness are ways that can be helpful.
I practice exclusively with online clients residing in WA, CA & NY. I am out of network for all insurance panels. Psychology has always been a passion of mine in some shape or form. I have 14 yrs of clinical experience working with culturally diverse populations in international and domestic settings. My approach is mindfulness-based with a blend of CBT, person-centered therapy and Motivational Interviewing. I have expertise treating a wide range of psychological issues spanning the spectrum of depression, trauma/anxiety, relationship difficulties, and life adjustments, serving people across the lifespan and in different settings.
(415) 825-3514 View (415) 825-3514
Photo of Stanley Fuller, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Stanley Fuller
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
I work extensively with Queer and LGBT community, Kink Affirmative/ Sex Positive, Sexual abuse, Substance Use, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Chronic pain, Aging, Childhood Trauma, Grieving, and Couples.
You are unique. My approach is from a holistic lens through relational humanistic psychodynamics. I hope that we build a foundational relationship that is based on trust and acceptance. I will walk with you through your journey of healing and self-discovery. I utilize my self-reflective journey through humanistic transpersonal psychodynamics, meeting you where you are in the here and now, offering acceptance and understanding.
I work extensively with Queer and LGBT community, Kink Affirmative/ Sex Positive, Sexual abuse, Substance Use, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Chronic pain, Aging, Childhood Trauma, Grieving, and Couples.
You are unique. My approach is from a holistic lens through relational humanistic psychodynamics. I hope that we build a foundational relationship that is based on trust and acceptance. I will walk with you through your journey of healing and self-discovery. I utilize my self-reflective journey through humanistic transpersonal psychodynamics, meeting you where you are in the here and now, offering acceptance and understanding.
(415) 993-5146 View (415) 993-5146
Photo of 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 Abbie Endres, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Abbie Endres
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94131  (Online Only)
Two guiding intentions support this work: Develop tools, awareness, and self-compassion to transform pain and suffering.
You've begun a courageous search. Take heart, healing is possible. My work is rooted in the body/mind connection, nourished by the imagination, and anchored in the support of our therapy relationship. My style includes both directing and listening. I understand that your timing and willingness to explore your concerns are unique and must be navigated with respect. We work together to take stock, talk about your goals, and gather the tools needed - from your own strengths, the training I bring, and a community of resources - to help you continue your journey of wellbeing.
Two guiding intentions support this work: Develop tools, awareness, and self-compassion to transform pain and suffering.
You've begun a courageous search. Take heart, healing is possible. My work is rooted in the body/mind connection, nourished by the imagination, and anchored in the support of our therapy relationship. My style includes both directing and listening. I understand that your timing and willingness to explore your concerns are unique and must be navigated with respect. We work together to take stock, talk about your goals, and gather the tools needed - from your own strengths, the training I bring, and a community of resources - to help you continue your journey of wellbeing.
(415) 322-3318 View (415) 322-3318
Photo of Alina Liu, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Alina Liu
Psychologist, PsyD, MSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94122
Anxiety and emotional pain are part of being human, but you don't have to suffer alone and I am here to help.
Are you burned out from "imposter syndrome" at work, stuck in an unfulfilling relationship, or feeling perpetually disconnected and isolated? Living inauthentically can feel exhausting. I work with individuals and couples to provide a range of therapy services from short-term evidence-based treatment for anxiety/depression to long-term relational work. Mental health is about having choices; in our first session, I am excited to get to know you and walk you through the process of therapy. My goal is to help you release painful emotions, reflect on patterns of thoughts and behaviors, and reconnect with a deeper sense of inner freedom.
Anxiety and emotional pain are part of being human, but you don't have to suffer alone and I am here to help.
Are you burned out from "imposter syndrome" at work, stuck in an unfulfilling relationship, or feeling perpetually disconnected and isolated? Living inauthentically can feel exhausting. I work with individuals and couples to provide a range of therapy services from short-term evidence-based treatment for anxiety/depression to long-term relational work. Mental health is about having choices; in our first session, I am excited to get to know you and walk you through the process of therapy. My goal is to help you release painful emotions, reflect on patterns of thoughts and behaviors, and reconnect with a deeper sense of inner freedom.
(415) 639-5225 View (415) 639-5225
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 Laine Demetria, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Laine Demetria
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
Couples, parents of children with chronic medical conditions as well as adult survivors of childhood abuse and illness.
Do you feel trapped by your past and anxious about your future, unable to live in the present? This malaise of modern living is often a sign of past trauma. I can help you uncover and release the experiences that keep you from living a full and zestful life. My primary focus is women and parents, particularly those with a history of trauma. We’ll explore the feelings that arise in your body, and notice their links to your thoughts and behaviors. I’ll empower you to choose a more positive narrative, to look at your life through a different lens.
Couples, parents of children with chronic medical conditions as well as adult survivors of childhood abuse and illness.
Do you feel trapped by your past and anxious about your future, unable to live in the present? This malaise of modern living is often a sign of past trauma. I can help you uncover and release the experiences that keep you from living a full and zestful life. My primary focus is women and parents, particularly those with a history of trauma. We’ll explore the feelings that arise in your body, and notice their links to your thoughts and behaviors. I’ll empower you to choose a more positive narrative, to look at your life through a different lens.
(415) 800-3249 View (415) 800-3249
Photo of Rebecca A. Ward, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Rebecca A. Ward
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MA, LMFT, SEP, PCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94117
Waitlist for new clients
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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Photo of Barbara Claire Freeman, Licensed Psychoanalyst in San Francisco, CA
Barbara Claire Freeman
Licensed Psychoanalyst, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94101
Sometimes it seems life asks us to bear the unbearable. A heartbreaking loss, difficult transition, illness of yourself or loved one, the lack of anything that might make your life meaningful and pleasurable—these are some of the issues I respond to and can help with. If you’re suffering or your life lacks purpose look at my website and, if you feel a connection, please reach out. I work from a generous and flexible sliding scale and am committed to providing accessible treatment. Whatever you’re facing, you don’t have to do this alone. Psychoanalytic therapy, especially as practiced by Lacanian analysts, can be transformative.
Sometimes it seems life asks us to bear the unbearable. A heartbreaking loss, difficult transition, illness of yourself or loved one, the lack of anything that might make your life meaningful and pleasurable—these are some of the issues I respond to and can help with. If you’re suffering or your life lacks purpose look at my website and, if you feel a connection, please reach out. I work from a generous and flexible sliding scale and am committed to providing accessible treatment. Whatever you’re facing, you don’t have to do this alone. Psychoanalytic therapy, especially as practiced by Lacanian analysts, can be transformative.
(341) 888-7964 View (341) 888-7964
Photo of Shannon Knorr, Pre-Licensed Professional in San Francisco, CA
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.
(510) 983-4457 View (510) 983-4457
Photo of W. Craig McDermit, PhD, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
W. Craig McDermit, PhD
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94117
I'm a "seasoned" psychologist in practice for 40 years. I enjoy working with people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds and have always preferred having a "general practice" which allows addressing a wide range of personal concerns. While each individual requires a unique approach; the transformative power of therapy is rooted in the trusting relationship that evolves between you & I. It's the alliance between us which helps you become the person you aspire to be. The work is serious but also allows for having a bit of fun while seeking the most gratifying life to foster a sense of fulfilling purpose for yourself.
I'm a "seasoned" psychologist in practice for 40 years. I enjoy working with people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds and have always preferred having a "general practice" which allows addressing a wide range of personal concerns. While each individual requires a unique approach; the transformative power of therapy is rooted in the trusting relationship that evolves between you & I. It's the alliance between us which helps you become the person you aspire to be. The work is serious but also allows for having a bit of fun while seeking the most gratifying life to foster a sense of fulfilling purpose for yourself.
(415) 534-6559 View (415) 534-6559
Photo of Joe Olivo, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Joe Olivo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
in my private practice I see individuals, couples, and families. I work with you to find what is most important for you; what is your best practice. Together we can heal the past and allow you to move forward. My years of life experience and gentle yet direct manner will help you get back on track and get the most from your life and relationships.
in my private practice I see individuals, couples, and families. I work with you to find what is most important for you; what is your best practice. Together we can heal the past and allow you to move forward. My years of life experience and gentle yet direct manner will help you get back on track and get the most from your life and relationships.
(415) 463-1793 View (415) 463-1793
Photo of Matthew Engel, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Matthew Engel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CHT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94121  (Online Only)
I work with people from many walks of life. Regardless of culture, economics, gender identity, sexual orientation or vocation, one of the common threads is a quest for greater meaning, depth, authenticity & inner peace. I draw upon 25 years of professional experience blending insights and supportive tools from psychology, professional development, social justice and non-denominational spirituality. Whether you're newer to this process or a "seasoned client," I work best with people who are committed to inner growth. I provide psychotherapy as well as life and business coaching.
I work with people from many walks of life. Regardless of culture, economics, gender identity, sexual orientation or vocation, one of the common threads is a quest for greater meaning, depth, authenticity & inner peace. I draw upon 25 years of professional experience blending insights and supportive tools from psychology, professional development, social justice and non-denominational spirituality. Whether you're newer to this process or a "seasoned client," I work best with people who are committed to inner growth. I provide psychotherapy as well as life and business coaching.
(628) 666-0266 View (628) 666-0266
Photo of Bay Area Gestalt Institute, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Bay Area Gestalt Institute
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94117
We are Bay Area Gestalt Institute (BAGI), a non-profit collective of highly trained marriage and family therapists and associates, providing affordable psychotherapy throughout the Bay Area. We offer counseling to individuals, couples, families, and children. Our work is active, creative and holistic. Our therapists work with a variety of issues including: * Relationship Issues * Anxiety * Depression * LGBTQI Concerns * Trauma * Substance Use / Abuse * Eating Disorders * Spiritual * Personal Growth * Integration of Non-Ordinary States
We are Bay Area Gestalt Institute (BAGI), a non-profit collective of highly trained marriage and family therapists and associates, providing affordable psychotherapy throughout the Bay Area. We offer counseling to individuals, couples, families, and children. Our work is active, creative and holistic. Our therapists work with a variety of issues including: * Relationship Issues * Anxiety * Depression * LGBTQI Concerns * Trauma * Substance Use / Abuse * Eating Disorders * Spiritual * Personal Growth * Integration of Non-Ordinary States
(415) 969-3361 View (415) 969-3361
Gaylesta, Psych Assn for Gender & Sexual Diversity
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, PsyD, LMFT, LCSW, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
WELCOME to Gaylesta: The Psychotherapist Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity. Our members provide mental health services including therapist referrals, education, and consultation. We offer a wide range of specializations, allowing us to serve as a unique resource both the LGBTQ communities and to other service providers. Explore our site to find a therapist, learn more about us, or become a valued member.
WELCOME to Gaylesta: The Psychotherapist Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity. Our members provide mental health services including therapist referrals, education, and consultation. We offer a wide range of specializations, allowing us to serve as a unique resource both the LGBTQ communities and to other service providers. Explore our site to find a therapist, learn more about us, or become a valued member.
Photo of Thomas Marchevsky, Licensed Psychoanalyst in San Francisco, CA
Thomas Marchevsky
Licensed Psychoanalyst, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Welcome. Are you ready for the work necessary to make real, enduring change? Do you have a troubling personal issue or suffer from general dissatisfaction? My orientation is to focus on the unconscious, the elusive essence of the problem. A powerful process unfolds when change occurs at this level of the mind. This opens the space for authentic personal transformation.
Welcome. Are you ready for the work necessary to make real, enduring change? Do you have a troubling personal issue or suffer from general dissatisfaction? My orientation is to focus on the unconscious, the elusive essence of the problem. A powerful process unfolds when change occurs at this level of the mind. This opens the space for authentic personal transformation.
(628) 225-3616 View (628) 225-3616
Photo of David A Thomson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
David A Thomson, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD, CAS
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
Do you feel that your everyday challenges are beginning to overwhelm you? Have you set goals for yourself, but you have not been able to achieve them? The solution is in sight. With skill, professionalism, empathy, and compassion I can help you to achieve your goals and the life that you want. Because you are a unique individual, I will tailor my treatment methods to fit your unique situation and needs. I believe that we all have what it takes to meet and conquer life's many challenges and difficulties.
Do you feel that your everyday challenges are beginning to overwhelm you? Have you set goals for yourself, but you have not been able to achieve them? The solution is in sight. With skill, professionalism, empathy, and compassion I can help you to achieve your goals and the life that you want. Because you are a unique individual, I will tailor my treatment methods to fit your unique situation and needs. I believe that we all have what it takes to meet and conquer life's many challenges and difficulties.
(415) 508-8805 View (415) 508-8805
Photo of Jasper Cornelius Mather, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Jasper Cornelius Mather
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94112
I am passionate about helping individuals in the transgender community navigate the unique challenges that come with gender identity and expression. As a transgender person myself, I understand firsthand the complexity of these issues and the importance of providing a safe and inclusive space for clients to explore their identity. I believe that every person has the capacity to heal and grow, and I am committed to providing a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where clients can explore their identity, work through challenges, and build resilience. I also work with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and relationship issues.
I am passionate about helping individuals in the transgender community navigate the unique challenges that come with gender identity and expression. As a transgender person myself, I understand firsthand the complexity of these issues and the importance of providing a safe and inclusive space for clients to explore their identity. I believe that every person has the capacity to heal and grow, and I am committed to providing a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where clients can explore their identity, work through challenges, and build resilience. I also work with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and relationship issues.
(415) 727-3423 View (415) 727-3423

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.