Photo of Nina Eisenberg @ The Connective, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
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.
(628) 200-4029 View (628) 200-4029
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 Ariane Eroy, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Ariane Eroy
Psychologist, PhD, CHT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
I deeply believe in your self-worth! I can help you overcome seemingly intractable depression, release addictions, better your relationships, redefine your life goals, and make difficult life-transitions, leaving behind chronic pain for good!.
I invite you onto an amazing path, one which opens up before your very eyes, your internal world. Receive the support you need to explore who you are, accelerate your evolutionary trajectory, and manage the stressors that characterize our swiftly changing world. Learn to transform challenges into opportunities and thus overcome any difficult feelings that trouble you.
I deeply believe in your self-worth! I can help you overcome seemingly intractable depression, release addictions, better your relationships, redefine your life goals, and make difficult life-transitions, leaving behind chronic pain for good!.
I invite you onto an amazing path, one which opens up before your very eyes, your internal world. Receive the support you need to explore who you are, accelerate your evolutionary trajectory, and manage the stressors that characterize our swiftly changing world. Learn to transform challenges into opportunities and thus overcome any difficult feelings that trouble you.
(415) 802-0590 View (415) 802-0590
Photo of Lisa Twilling, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
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.
(415) 659-9212 View (415) 659-9212
Photo of Jane Skoyen, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Jane Skoyen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104  (Online Only)
I’m Dr. Jane Skoyen, a licensed psychologist in California and New York. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety disorders, and assist with life transitions, stress reduction, and management of physical illness. I work with intelligent, proactive, and curious people who have found themselves stuck. Most of my clients are juggling many stressors of living in a competitive world and weathering the pandemic. They are looking for ways to reduce challenging symptoms, assert themselves, increase self-care practices, and find more joy in their lives.
I’m Dr. Jane Skoyen, a licensed psychologist in California and New York. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety disorders, and assist with life transitions, stress reduction, and management of physical illness. I work with intelligent, proactive, and curious people who have found themselves stuck. Most of my clients are juggling many stressors of living in a competitive world and weathering the pandemic. They are looking for ways to reduce challenging symptoms, assert themselves, increase self-care practices, and find more joy in their lives.
(707) 593-5783 View (707) 593-5783
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 Whitney M. Keilman, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Whitney M. Keilman
Psychologist, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have experience working with issues including but not limited to: Aging, Anxiety, Bereavement, Body image, Depression, Drug and Alcohol, Chronic illness, Chronic pain, Family conflicts, Interpersonal boundaries, Life transitions, Oppression, Parenting, PTSD, Relationships, Support for caregivers, Terminal illness, and Trauma.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist providing therapy to teens and adults residing in California. I believe that every individual is unique and deserving of love, and I feel that this shines through in my work. Seeking therapy is not always easy, and I’m truly honored to be a part of my Patient’s healing and strengthening processes.
I have experience working with issues including but not limited to: Aging, Anxiety, Bereavement, Body image, Depression, Drug and Alcohol, Chronic illness, Chronic pain, Family conflicts, Interpersonal boundaries, Life transitions, Oppression, Parenting, PTSD, Relationships, Support for caregivers, Terminal illness, and Trauma.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist providing therapy to teens and adults residing in California. I believe that every individual is unique and deserving of love, and I feel that this shines through in my work. Seeking therapy is not always easy, and I’m truly honored to be a part of my Patient’s healing and strengthening processes.
(415) 903-8664 View (415) 903-8664
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 Denise Stilwell, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Denise Stilwell
Psychologist, RN, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109  (Online Only)
Dr. Denise Stilwell is a licensed clinical psychologist with seven years of experience providing psychotherapy in a variety of clinical settings. She worked as a nurse for sixteen years before she became a psychotherapist and brings that rich experience into her practice. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, identity issues, interpersonal issues, grief, managing chronic illness, and somatic symptom disorder. Dr. Stilwell collaborates with her clients to ensure they feel seen and heard in their sessions while utilizing evidence-based therapy approaches that are culturally sensitive and individually focused.
Dr. Denise Stilwell is a licensed clinical psychologist with seven years of experience providing psychotherapy in a variety of clinical settings. She worked as a nurse for sixteen years before she became a psychotherapist and brings that rich experience into her practice. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, identity issues, interpersonal issues, grief, managing chronic illness, and somatic symptom disorder. Dr. Stilwell collaborates with her clients to ensure they feel seen and heard in their sessions while utilizing evidence-based therapy approaches that are culturally sensitive and individually focused.
(415) 306-8574 View (415) 306-8574
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 Lisa A Murphy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
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
(415) 763-6231 View (415) 763-6231
Photo of Ilene Rich-Holtzberg Ph.D., Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
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.
(415) 366-8999 View (415) 366-8999
Photo of Kimberly Harris, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Kimberly Harris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94134
I'm effective in helping people work through depression, grief, anxiety, anger, life transitions, aging issues, insomnia, parenting, low self-esteem, and chronic pain.
Hello, my name is Kimberly Harris. I have been helping people for 15 years. I believe that everyone has the potential to live a fulfilling life, and I am here to help you achieve that.
I'm effective in helping people work through depression, grief, anxiety, anger, life transitions, aging issues, insomnia, parenting, low self-esteem, and chronic pain.
Hello, my name is Kimberly Harris. I have been helping people for 15 years. I believe that everyone has the potential to live a fulfilling life, and I am here to help you achieve that.
(657) 837-6180 View (657) 837-6180
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  (Online Only)
Regardless of your suffering, there is a way through it and because we each have our own way of processing emotional wounds, I take an individualized approach to help you transform pain into healing. I specialize in addressing trauma and grief. This includes the loss of a loved one, traumatic loss (event-related, developmental), as well as psychological symptoms associated with chronic and terminal illness. Through an integrated approach, my work is about healing the soul and finding light in the darkness despite facing life-threatening conditions afflicting the body, mind, heart, and spirit.
Regardless of your suffering, there is a way through it and because we each have our own way of processing emotional wounds, I take an individualized approach to help you transform pain into healing. I specialize in addressing trauma and grief. This includes the loss of a loved one, traumatic loss (event-related, developmental), as well as psychological symptoms associated with chronic and terminal illness. Through an integrated approach, my work is about healing the soul and finding light in the darkness despite facing life-threatening conditions afflicting the body, mind, heart, and spirit.
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Photo of Integrative Mind-Body Solutions, LLC in San Francisco, CA
Integrative Mind-Body Solutions, LLC
CHT, RMT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94140  (Online Only)
Suggestions; statements pertaining to the success of the client's goal, tap into the brain mechanisms involved in attention, motor control, pain perception, beliefs and volition.
Helping to uncover the root cause of distress by addressing painful mental states such as avoidance, isolation, people-pleasing, low self-esteem, confusion, worry, stress, and anxiety while working together to come up with a customized plan to manage the situation to feel more in control and live a happier more fulfilling life. Our approach is direct, positive & uplifting using a customized therapeutic approach in a supportive and accepting manner. We believe that through education along with a focused therapeutic approach yields the most successful results and I am there every step of the way.
Suggestions; statements pertaining to the success of the client's goal, tap into the brain mechanisms involved in attention, motor control, pain perception, beliefs and volition.
Helping to uncover the root cause of distress by addressing painful mental states such as avoidance, isolation, people-pleasing, low self-esteem, confusion, worry, stress, and anxiety while working together to come up with a customized plan to manage the situation to feel more in control and live a happier more fulfilling life. Our approach is direct, positive & uplifting using a customized therapeutic approach in a supportive and accepting manner. We believe that through education along with a focused therapeutic approach yields the most successful results and I am there every step of the way.
(415) 787-4912 View (415) 787-4912
Photo of Michelle Takemoto, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Michelle Takemoto
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94127  (Online Only)
Therapy will open new doors for you, allow you to gain insight into your struggles, and create movement toward healing. I specialize in supporting women, families, and couples through difficult times such as parenting, chronic illness, marriage conflicts, grief and loss, parenting children with disabilities, cultural loss and trauma, anxiety/depression, and work-related stressors. Recovery and leading a life of fulfillment is truly possible. Take the first step toward finding hope and leading an authentic, love-filled life.
Therapy will open new doors for you, allow you to gain insight into your struggles, and create movement toward healing. I specialize in supporting women, families, and couples through difficult times such as parenting, chronic illness, marriage conflicts, grief and loss, parenting children with disabilities, cultural loss and trauma, anxiety/depression, and work-related stressors. Recovery and leading a life of fulfillment is truly possible. Take the first step toward finding hope and leading an authentic, love-filled life.
(707) 532-2360 View (707) 532-2360
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 Zlatena Theodore, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Zlatena Theodore
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
The path to wellness can be challenging as your mental, emotional, and physical experiences all play a role in your overall welfare. I actively focus on the intersection between health and behavior to help optimize your well-being. I have specialized training in treating insomnia, chronic pain, weight management, adjustment to new diagnoses, and management of chronic health conditions. I also help individuals cope with psychological concerns, such as anxiety, depression, adjustment to life transitions, stress management, burnout, and relationship difficulties.
The path to wellness can be challenging as your mental, emotional, and physical experiences all play a role in your overall welfare. I actively focus on the intersection between health and behavior to help optimize your well-being. I have specialized training in treating insomnia, chronic pain, weight management, adjustment to new diagnoses, and management of chronic health conditions. I also help individuals cope with psychological concerns, such as anxiety, depression, adjustment to life transitions, stress management, burnout, and relationship difficulties.
(650) 337-3023 View (650) 337-3023
Photo of Phuong Le, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Phuong Le
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
I use humor and compassion to provide some reprieve from personal pain and offer honesty to dispel personal inaccurate myths.
Hello, My name is Phuong Le. I am a Vietnamese bilingual psychotherapist who would like to bring therapy to people who feel therapy is only accessible to just the few. I am particularly passionate about offering services to people experiencing marginalization. I have been trained in psychodynamic approaches, objects-relations theory, cognitive behavioral therapy approaches and use mindfulness as an integral part of of work with clients. I have worked as a direct service clinician, manager, Clinical Supervisor, and overseeing contracts for mental health provider agencies. I have dedicatedly career to empower and enhance the voice
I use humor and compassion to provide some reprieve from personal pain and offer honesty to dispel personal inaccurate myths.
Hello, My name is Phuong Le. I am a Vietnamese bilingual psychotherapist who would like to bring therapy to people who feel therapy is only accessible to just the few. I am particularly passionate about offering services to people experiencing marginalization. I have been trained in psychodynamic approaches, objects-relations theory, cognitive behavioral therapy approaches and use mindfulness as an integral part of of work with clients. I have worked as a direct service clinician, manager, Clinical Supervisor, and overseeing contracts for mental health provider agencies. I have dedicatedly career to empower and enhance the voice
(341) 766-0650 View (341) 766-0650
Photo of Cait Glenn, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Cait Glenn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94103  (Online Only)
I specialize in helping clients overcome anxiety, perfectionism, depression, trauma and navigate illness.
Those in your life might think everything is fine, but inside you feel overwhelmed and stuck. Your anxiety is ramped up trying to control something that you cannot control. You find yourself not trusting yourself and seeking external validation frequently. Feelings of distraction are constant and worries take over your thoughts. You may even feel that your relationships have changed and that you need to protect the ones you love by hiding how you truly feel. Trying to stay "positive" just isn't working. If you are ready for change, you have come to the right place. I am not a smile and nod therapist and will partner with you.
I specialize in helping clients overcome anxiety, perfectionism, depression, trauma and navigate illness.
Those in your life might think everything is fine, but inside you feel overwhelmed and stuck. Your anxiety is ramped up trying to control something that you cannot control. You find yourself not trusting yourself and seeking external validation frequently. Feelings of distraction are constant and worries take over your thoughts. You may even feel that your relationships have changed and that you need to protect the ones you love by hiding how you truly feel. Trying to stay "positive" just isn't working. If you are ready for change, you have come to the right place. I am not a smile and nod therapist and will partner with you.
(949) 702-9453 View (949) 702-9453

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.