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 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 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 Allycia Souza, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Allycia Souza
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94101
My counseling style is compassionate, reflective, and rooted in radical self acceptance. My focus is on helping you accept the parts of yourself that are hard to tolerate and be at peace with. I have been a psychotherapist for 13 years and I am licensed in the state of California. I have worked with people from various backgrounds that grapple with differing issues, such as, depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain/illness, childhood abuse and trauma, relationship issues, parenting problems, grief, domestic violence and life transitions.
My counseling style is compassionate, reflective, and rooted in radical self acceptance. My focus is on helping you accept the parts of yourself that are hard to tolerate and be at peace with. I have been a psychotherapist for 13 years and I am licensed in the state of California. I have worked with people from various backgrounds that grapple with differing issues, such as, depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain/illness, childhood abuse and trauma, relationship issues, parenting problems, grief, domestic violence and life transitions.
(510) 674-1117 View (510) 674-1117
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 Amynta Hayenga, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Amynta Hayenga
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
You may feel lost, but you are not alone. We all experience suffering as a part of the human condition, yet sometimes our symptoms of stress, despair, worry, or self-criticism stand in the way of living the life that we want. If you find yourself troubled by a particular life problem or psychological condition, or generally lacking a sense of vitality and purpose, working with a clinician can help you reconnect with yourself and your strengths. Therapy often helps us to make useful connections between our actions, our thinking, our emotional reality, and patterns in relationships that we have developed over years.
You may feel lost, but you are not alone. We all experience suffering as a part of the human condition, yet sometimes our symptoms of stress, despair, worry, or self-criticism stand in the way of living the life that we want. If you find yourself troubled by a particular life problem or psychological condition, or generally lacking a sense of vitality and purpose, working with a clinician can help you reconnect with yourself and your strengths. Therapy often helps us to make useful connections between our actions, our thinking, our emotional reality, and patterns in relationships that we have developed over years.
(510) 781-9761 View (510) 781-9761
Photo of Harmony Rousseau, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Harmony Rousseau
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94103  (Online Only)
I am a strength-based Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist—one who believes we each have the inner resources we need to be successful and happy in our lives. During our life journeys, many of us may need assistance with finding and/or highlighting our inner strengths so we can breakthrough our struggles, whether they be past traumas, family patterns/dynamics, relationship/attachment issues or a simple and current need for change. My hope is to help my clients build on their strengths, pinpoint their patterns, rewrite their stories, and find their way back to the positive aspects of life they deserve to experience.
I am a strength-based Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist—one who believes we each have the inner resources we need to be successful and happy in our lives. During our life journeys, many of us may need assistance with finding and/or highlighting our inner strengths so we can breakthrough our struggles, whether they be past traumas, family patterns/dynamics, relationship/attachment issues or a simple and current need for change. My hope is to help my clients build on their strengths, pinpoint their patterns, rewrite their stories, and find their way back to the positive aspects of life they deserve to experience.
(415) 687-4216 View (415) 687-4216
Photo of Debra Warshaw Taube, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Debra Warshaw Taube
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
Psychotherapy isn't one size fits all. It's a unique relationship that develops and responds to your needs, life-experiences, gender/ethnic/cultural identity, challenges and resources. You may be feeling stuck-repeating painful patterns, wanting to make changes but not knowing how. Or you're a survivor of sexual violence and the ways you've been coping aren't working anymore. I meet you where you are and bring my clinical and life experience, deep listening, compassion, acceptance, warmth and creativity. Together we create and draw on the power of a safe, accepting therapeutic relationship to support your growth and wholeness.
Psychotherapy isn't one size fits all. It's a unique relationship that develops and responds to your needs, life-experiences, gender/ethnic/cultural identity, challenges and resources. You may be feeling stuck-repeating painful patterns, wanting to make changes but not knowing how. Or you're a survivor of sexual violence and the ways you've been coping aren't working anymore. I meet you where you are and bring my clinical and life experience, deep listening, compassion, acceptance, warmth and creativity. Together we create and draw on the power of a safe, accepting therapeutic relationship to support your growth and wholeness.
(415) 949-1174 View (415) 949-1174
Brown Therapy Center
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
We work with a diverse population of adult individuals, couples, and special interest groups who may be struggling with any number of mental health challenges related to anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship issues, and substance abuse, among others. We are committed to providing culturally competent care across the spectrum of age, race, gender, sexuality, religion, and background.
We work with a diverse population of adult individuals, couples, and special interest groups who may be struggling with any number of mental health challenges related to anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship issues, and substance abuse, among others. We are committed to providing culturally competent care across the spectrum of age, race, gender, sexuality, religion, and background.
(415) 849-7242 View (415) 849-7242
Photo of Christhmus (Christopher Chu) Presence, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Christhmus (Christopher Chu) Presence
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
Offering CA-based Telehealth ideal for BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, &/or People of Color, including white-passing & mixed-race BIPOC. Also welcoming Families & Partnerships with 1 or more BIPOC in regular attendance. I offer Xychotherapy: psychotherapy that recognizes therapeutic experiences existed long before psychotherapy was invented, and incorporates psychotherapy into global therapeutic wisdoms and practices.
Offering CA-based Telehealth ideal for BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, &/or People of Color, including white-passing & mixed-race BIPOC. Also welcoming Families & Partnerships with 1 or more BIPOC in regular attendance. I offer Xychotherapy: psychotherapy that recognizes therapeutic experiences existed long before psychotherapy was invented, and incorporates psychotherapy into global therapeutic wisdoms and practices.
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Photo of CK Olivieri Blackmore, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
CK Olivieri Blackmore
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
(518) 269-5458 View (518) 269-5458
Photo of Liz Diamond - Brown Therapy Center, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Liz Diamond - Brown Therapy Center
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
Waitlist for new clients
Choosing a therapist can be a daunting process. I am inspired by anyone who is willing to reach out to a complete stranger, in order to challenge and heal themselves. I believe safety and non-judgment are among the most important aspects of the therapeutic relationship. I am committed to supporting you as we explore your thoughts and feelings, looking closely at barriers that until now have limited your insights and clarity. Your power to feel better comes from looking inward, instead of out, and I want to help you do the work to get to that healing place.
Choosing a therapist can be a daunting process. I am inspired by anyone who is willing to reach out to a complete stranger, in order to challenge and heal themselves. I believe safety and non-judgment are among the most important aspects of the therapeutic relationship. I am committed to supporting you as we explore your thoughts and feelings, looking closely at barriers that until now have limited your insights and clarity. Your power to feel better comes from looking inward, instead of out, and I want to help you do the work to get to that healing place.
(415) 324-6323 View (415) 324-6323
Photo of Michelle Taylor, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in San Francisco, CA
Michelle Taylor
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94101
Accepting new clients/couples NOW- Online Video Therapy - Couples and individuals! I am a direct, tell-it-how-it-is therapist. I don't want you to be in therapy forever... we get straight to the root, do the work, get the skills you need and you become your own therapist. 8-10 sessions is the goal. If you're not ready to do the work, I'm not the therapist for you. But, if you're ready to step into courage and out of comfort, I'm ready to charge the storm with you. Couples like my straightforward approach, giving you the proven communication skills for healthier relationships. Do the hard, courageous thing and email me.
Accepting new clients/couples NOW- Online Video Therapy - Couples and individuals! I am a direct, tell-it-how-it-is therapist. I don't want you to be in therapy forever... we get straight to the root, do the work, get the skills you need and you become your own therapist. 8-10 sessions is the goal. If you're not ready to do the work, I'm not the therapist for you. But, if you're ready to step into courage and out of comfort, I'm ready to charge the storm with you. Couples like my straightforward approach, giving you the proven communication skills for healthier relationships. Do the hard, courageous thing and email me.
(562) 317-7556 View (562) 317-7556
Photo of Life by Design Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Life by Design Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
When life gets rough, it's important to know there are safe and supportive spaces you can turn to for support. Whether you're seeking real relief from anxiety or depression, needing help establishing better boundaries, questioning your identity, sexuality, or personal relationships or just having trouble managing the day-to-day, we can help. At Life by Design Therapy we believe change is possible for you. We offer holistic and somatic therapy to support you in navigating life's challenges without having to dismiss, avoid, or disconnect from what you truly want. It's time to live life on your own terms and Create A Life You Love!
When life gets rough, it's important to know there are safe and supportive spaces you can turn to for support. Whether you're seeking real relief from anxiety or depression, needing help establishing better boundaries, questioning your identity, sexuality, or personal relationships or just having trouble managing the day-to-day, we can help. At Life by Design Therapy we believe change is possible for you. We offer holistic and somatic therapy to support you in navigating life's challenges without having to dismiss, avoid, or disconnect from what you truly want. It's time to live life on your own terms and Create A Life You Love!
(510) 422-0349 View (510) 422-0349
Photo of Abbie Loveland Tuller, Counselor in San Francisco, CA
Abbie Loveland Tuller
Counselor, PhD, LMHC, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
The greatest discovery I have made in life is to embrace the unexpected, to crave the twists and turns as much as the great joys of life, and to lead with curiosity. Life can often feel scary, and we may face challenges that leave us feeling like there is nowhere to turn. If you find yourself feeling this way, you are not alone. Whether you are dealing with feelings of great sadness, anxiousness that feels uncontrollable, or struggling to move past an event in your life you have turned to the right place. Seeking therapy can lead to a greater understanding of yourself, the world around you, and the person you want to be.
The greatest discovery I have made in life is to embrace the unexpected, to crave the twists and turns as much as the great joys of life, and to lead with curiosity. Life can often feel scary, and we may face challenges that leave us feeling like there is nowhere to turn. If you find yourself feeling this way, you are not alone. Whether you are dealing with feelings of great sadness, anxiousness that feels uncontrollable, or struggling to move past an event in your life you have turned to the right place. Seeking therapy can lead to a greater understanding of yourself, the world around you, and the person you want to be.
(917) 512-5866 View (917) 512-5866

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Julia Mendoza, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Julia Mendoza
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Emeryville, CA 94608  (Online Only)
Hello I'm Julia Mendoza, a therapist providing therapy throughout the state of California. I have experience working with children and adults, in the areas of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, LGBT+ issues, OCD, personality disorders, family problems, relationship and partner conflict, and traumas. I truly enjoy helping others and I have been told that I am funny, genuine, open-minded, and a good listener. Se habla Español!
Hello I'm Julia Mendoza, a therapist providing therapy throughout the state of California. I have experience working with children and adults, in the areas of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, LGBT+ issues, OCD, personality disorders, family problems, relationship and partner conflict, and traumas. I truly enjoy helping others and I have been told that I am funny, genuine, open-minded, and a good listener. Se habla Español!
(951) 438-7873 View (951) 438-7873
Photo of Sara Ouimette Grief Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Sara Ouimette Grief Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
You're here because you want more from life after loss and/or disappointment. Perhaps you've accomplished all you hoped for, and still feel incomplete. Or maybe nothing went as planned, and you're grappling with the loss of the life you so wanted for yourself. I work with high achievers and creatives who are used to making things happen for themselves, yet feel a general lack of joy and satisfaction (especially after achieving their goals or having arrived in mid-life). You might be asking yourself if this is all there is. I'm so glad you're here, because there absolutely is more if you're willing to go within to find it.
You're here because you want more from life after loss and/or disappointment. Perhaps you've accomplished all you hoped for, and still feel incomplete. Or maybe nothing went as planned, and you're grappling with the loss of the life you so wanted for yourself. I work with high achievers and creatives who are used to making things happen for themselves, yet feel a general lack of joy and satisfaction (especially after achieving their goals or having arrived in mid-life). You might be asking yourself if this is all there is. I'm so glad you're here, because there absolutely is more if you're willing to go within to find it.
(510) 447-1443 View (510) 447-1443

Online Therapists

Photo of Palmer Frankel Insight Therapist, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Palmer Frankel Insight Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94304  (Online Only)
Having chronic pain, and a rather difficult life myself, I understand pain.
Whatever you are going through, it helps to have someone to talk to, who is only there for you. Lowering your symptoms, gaining skills, and insight, can bring you lifelong peace. Most people know what choices to make, the hard part is doing it. But if you can't see what benign rules you are living by, which is the rule-especially in family systems, then you can't heal. This is really the reason to talk to an insight oriented therapist. If you have watched Couples Therapy, that is exactly what therapy is utilized.
Having chronic pain, and a rather difficult life myself, I understand pain.
Whatever you are going through, it helps to have someone to talk to, who is only there for you. Lowering your symptoms, gaining skills, and insight, can bring you lifelong peace. Most people know what choices to make, the hard part is doing it. But if you can't see what benign rules you are living by, which is the rule-especially in family systems, then you can't heal. This is really the reason to talk to an insight oriented therapist. If you have watched Couples Therapy, that is exactly what therapy is utilized.
(760) 463-9838 View (760) 463-9838
Photo of Moore Consulting LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Moore Consulting LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Carmel, CA 93921
I provide tools to transform and transmute pain.
Are you ready for change? Are you ready to live the life you are meant to live? To transform the old self, you have to gain awareness. I want you to get to know all your parts and to shine a light on the shadows that hold you back, I know you can heal your life when you make that decision and have focused discipline to take action to discover your greatness. Don't know where to start? We will start right where you are today. I use the Enneagram, Ayurveda, and Internal Family Systems along with honesty to get you on track. I will show you how you can heal and become whole again. You really can have what you want.
I provide tools to transform and transmute pain.
Are you ready for change? Are you ready to live the life you are meant to live? To transform the old self, you have to gain awareness. I want you to get to know all your parts and to shine a light on the shadows that hold you back, I know you can heal your life when you make that decision and have focused discipline to take action to discover your greatness. Don't know where to start? We will start right where you are today. I use the Enneagram, Ayurveda, and Internal Family Systems along with honesty to get you on track. I will show you how you can heal and become whole again. You really can have what you want.
(831) 231-1355 View (831) 231-1355
Photo of Shawna Cobabe, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Shawna Cobabe
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762  (Online Only)
I have worked with children, families, individuals and couples in many different capacities before finding my calling as a therapist. I have specialized training in couples and marriage counseling, family counseling, PTSD/trauma, adoption and foster care, anxiety and depression, and other mental illness, life changes, grief and loss. I also work with adolescents who are struggling in school or with behavior problems, defiance, and depression and anxiety. I work with couples and families for a variety of reasons. I can help you too.
I have worked with children, families, individuals and couples in many different capacities before finding my calling as a therapist. I have specialized training in couples and marriage counseling, family counseling, PTSD/trauma, adoption and foster care, anxiety and depression, and other mental illness, life changes, grief and loss. I also work with adolescents who are struggling in school or with behavior problems, defiance, and depression and anxiety. I work with couples and families for a variety of reasons. I can help you too.
(925) 329-6259 View (925) 329-6259

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.