Photo of David A Martinez, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
David A Martinez
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94117  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Ofrezco mis servicios a personas que viven en California. Específicamente trabajo con gente que quiere mejorar: Depresion; Ansiedad social y otras fobias específicas; Ansiedad general; Trastorno Obsesivo-Compulsivo; Trastorno de pánico; Conductas relacionadas a la salud (calidad de vida, acoplarse con enfermedades crónicas, dolor crónico, seguimiento de instrucciones/recomendaciones médicas); Cesación/Dejar de fumar; Insomnia; Trauma/Trastorno de Estrés Postraumático; Problemas relacionadas a las experiencias por identificarse como LGBTQI; Salud sexual; Duelo; Estrés.
Ofrezco mis servicios a personas que viven en California. Específicamente trabajo con gente que quiere mejorar: Depresion; Ansiedad social y otras fobias específicas; Ansiedad general; Trastorno Obsesivo-Compulsivo; Trastorno de pánico; Conductas relacionadas a la salud (calidad de vida, acoplarse con enfermedades crónicas, dolor crónico, seguimiento de instrucciones/recomendaciones médicas); Cesación/Dejar de fumar; Insomnia; Trauma/Trastorno de Estrés Postraumático; Problemas relacionadas a las experiencias por identificarse como LGBTQI; Salud sexual; Duelo; Estrés.
(510) 937-3211 View (510) 937-3211
Photo of Daley Wellness Group | Dr. Luz Daley, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Daley Wellness Group | Dr. Luz Daley
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94133  (Online Only)
Elegimos enfocar nuestro trabajo en el bienestar psicológico y espiritual. Lo hacemos con la creencia de que un estado de bienestar en estos ámbitos puede aumentar la resiliencia necesaria para abordar los desafíos interminables de la vida y mejorar la capacidad de apreciar los regalos interminables de la vida. Confiamos en que cada persona es el experto en su propia vida y cada persona tiene la respuesta que está buscando. Nuestro papel es ayudar a con quienes trabajamos a descubrir lo que ya saben.
Elegimos enfocar nuestro trabajo en el bienestar psicológico y espiritual. Lo hacemos con la creencia de que un estado de bienestar en estos ámbitos puede aumentar la resiliencia necesaria para abordar los desafíos interminables de la vida y mejorar la capacidad de apreciar los regalos interminables de la vida. Confiamos en que cada persona es el experto en su propia vida y cada persona tiene la respuesta que está buscando. Nuestro papel es ayudar a con quienes trabajamos a descubrir lo que ya saben.
(209) 370-2663 View (209) 370-2663
Photo of Alfredo Laris, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Alfredo Laris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110  (Online Only)
Ofrezco muchas modalidades de terapia y he trabajado con todos los grupos de edad desde niños/adolescencia, adultos, geriátricos, grupos, familias y parejas también. También he trabajado no solo con una variedad de comunidades, sino que también he trabajado en salud mental comunitaria brindando gestión intensiva de casos a clientes con enfermedades de salud mental graves y persistentes. Como hombre cis que se identifica como Latinx y como miembro orgulloso de la comunidad LGBTQIA, puedo vivir la experiencia de vivir muchas experiencias emocionales diversas y transculturales que a veces ni siquiera sabemos cómo empezar a comprender.
Ofrezco muchas modalidades de terapia y he trabajado con todos los grupos de edad desde niños/adolescencia, adultos, geriátricos, grupos, familias y parejas también. También he trabajado no solo con una variedad de comunidades, sino que también he trabajado en salud mental comunitaria brindando gestión intensiva de casos a clientes con enfermedades de salud mental graves y persistentes. Como hombre cis que se identifica como Latinx y como miembro orgulloso de la comunidad LGBTQIA, puedo vivir la experiencia de vivir muchas experiencias emocionales diversas y transculturales que a veces ni siquiera sabemos cómo empezar a comprender.
(510) 953-4265 View (510) 953-4265
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 Brandon Gescheidle, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Brandon Gescheidle
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
I identify as a gay, cisgender man and enjoy working with the chronic pain and queer communities.
I do this work because I genuinely love it. I am very honest and direct with clients and encourage openness from each of us. Therapy is an opportunity to slow down, get reacquainted with ourselves, and engage in vulnerability and playfulness that is too often not accessed. I offer a supportive, completely non-judgmental space where everything and anything is on the table (trust me, as therapists, we’ve heard it all). Trust and comfortability take time, and I respect clients’ pace and readiness to travel in difficult directions. I also promise to (compassionately) hold you accountable to promote growth and healing.
I identify as a gay, cisgender man and enjoy working with the chronic pain and queer communities.
I do this work because I genuinely love it. I am very honest and direct with clients and encourage openness from each of us. Therapy is an opportunity to slow down, get reacquainted with ourselves, and engage in vulnerability and playfulness that is too often not accessed. I offer a supportive, completely non-judgmental space where everything and anything is on the table (trust me, as therapists, we’ve heard it all). Trust and comfortability take time, and I respect clients’ pace and readiness to travel in difficult directions. I also promise to (compassionately) hold you accountable to promote growth and healing.
(424) 842-8532 View (424) 842-8532
Photo of Maeve Odile Jackson-Dufault, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Francisco, CA
Maeve Odile Jackson-Dufault
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
My approach to therapy is integral; I work from an attachment and trauma informed lens with a deep grounding in relational psychoanalytic theory. I have experience with treating depression and anxiety, low self-esteem, questions of gender and sexuality, complex family dynamics, relationship issues, chronic pain, and grief work. My wish it to foster a therapeutic space that feels both challenging as well as safe so that we can work together to meet your treatment goals. In our work together I may bring in mindfulness techniques, parts work, attachment theory, dream work, movement, and myth.
My approach to therapy is integral; I work from an attachment and trauma informed lens with a deep grounding in relational psychoanalytic theory. I have experience with treating depression and anxiety, low self-esteem, questions of gender and sexuality, complex family dynamics, relationship issues, chronic pain, and grief work. My wish it to foster a therapeutic space that feels both challenging as well as safe so that we can work together to meet your treatment goals. In our work together I may bring in mindfulness techniques, parts work, attachment theory, dream work, movement, and myth.
(510) 513-4604 View (510) 513-4604
Photo of Cecilie Herring, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Cecilie Herring
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
I specialize in working with pre and postnatal moms, supporting parents as they navigate and adjust to parenthood, strengthening the parent-child connection, grief surrounding the loss of a loved one, coping with a chronic illness and/or pain, and working with the challenges of anxiety and depression.
I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist offering psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, and children. My training focuses on helping my clients improve their relationships with themselves and others, navigate life transitions, and heal from traumatic experiences. My overall approach seeks to provide a warm, trusting, nonjudgemental relationship in which you are deeply listened to and can safely and freely discuss your challenges, concerns, and vulnerabilities.
I specialize in working with pre and postnatal moms, supporting parents as they navigate and adjust to parenthood, strengthening the parent-child connection, grief surrounding the loss of a loved one, coping with a chronic illness and/or pain, and working with the challenges of anxiety and depression.
I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist offering psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, and children. My training focuses on helping my clients improve their relationships with themselves and others, navigate life transitions, and heal from traumatic experiences. My overall approach seeks to provide a warm, trusting, nonjudgemental relationship in which you are deeply listened to and can safely and freely discuss your challenges, concerns, and vulnerabilities.
(415) 517-9319 View (415) 517-9319
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 Suhadee (Su) Henriquez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Suhadee (Su) Henriquez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
My diverse background has allowed me to help individuals around the world to reach their personal goals and guide them, step-by-step, to achieve higher levels of success. I am a psychotherapist specialized in helping those struggling with daily stressors, depression/anxiety, relationship difficulties, chronic pain, and problems associated (e.g. career, college) eating issues, substance abuse, as well as suicidal and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors. I have particular expertise in working with individuals from a multicultural perspective, including but not limited to, LGBT populations and providing psychotherapy in Spanish"
My diverse background has allowed me to help individuals around the world to reach their personal goals and guide them, step-by-step, to achieve higher levels of success. I am a psychotherapist specialized in helping those struggling with daily stressors, depression/anxiety, relationship difficulties, chronic pain, and problems associated (e.g. career, college) eating issues, substance abuse, as well as suicidal and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors. I have particular expertise in working with individuals from a multicultural perspective, including but not limited to, LGBT populations and providing psychotherapy in Spanish"
(332) 249-8411 View (332) 249-8411
Photo of J Lynne Heart Coach in San Francisco, CA
J Lynne Heart Coach
MSW, CHT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94103  (Online Only)
Are you in pain? Do you feel stuck? Get help to lose the weight or to quit smoking now.
Coach J. Lynne specializes in women's facilitation. Feel deeply calm and see clearly within to feel healing. Clients often see into their own real-time observation of their life from deep inside. She guides individuals ready to change, through the process of changing, helping them land in their new lifestyle of a healed outlook and feeling better. This typically feels good, gaining new confidence, freedom from pain (physical or emotional), and quitting bad habits such as smoking, binge-eating, and other compulsions such as hand-washing or codependency. If you are ready to take action and make a change Coach J. Lynne is a fit!
Are you in pain? Do you feel stuck? Get help to lose the weight or to quit smoking now.
Coach J. Lynne specializes in women's facilitation. Feel deeply calm and see clearly within to feel healing. Clients often see into their own real-time observation of their life from deep inside. She guides individuals ready to change, through the process of changing, helping them land in their new lifestyle of a healed outlook and feeling better. This typically feels good, gaining new confidence, freedom from pain (physical or emotional), and quitting bad habits such as smoking, binge-eating, and other compulsions such as hand-washing or codependency. If you are ready to take action and make a change Coach J. Lynne is a fit!
(530) 207-8934 View (530) 207-8934
Photo of Verónica Cervantes Wefers, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Verónica Cervantes Wefers
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
I am a relational somatic therapist, which means that being real matters and the relationship that develops between us is important. Part of the process of therapy is buidling trust and cultivating an alliance. The work I will assist you with involves a sincere effort to go inside yourself and uncover what you're actually experiencing, and then communicate that. We can discuss your difficulties and identify how you can influence them.
I am a relational somatic therapist, which means that being real matters and the relationship that develops between us is important. Part of the process of therapy is buidling trust and cultivating an alliance. The work I will assist you with involves a sincere effort to go inside yourself and uncover what you're actually experiencing, and then communicate that. We can discuss your difficulties and identify how you can influence them.
(415) 818-0491 View (415) 818-0491
Photo of Dr. Alisha Saxena, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Dr. Alisha Saxena
Psychologist, PsyD, MS, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
We all have moments of feeling isolated and “stuck.” This can stem from the difference between what your life looks like now and how you would like it to be. The stress of this disconnection can seep into all aspects of your world: socially withdrawing or getting into more arguments can lead to depression and relationship conflict. You might feel like what you do is never “good enough,” increasing anxiety. You might hide your stress by focusing on what you can control, particularly after traumatic events. Therapy can help bring back joy and spontaneity into your life, helping you feel more fulfilled and energized.
We all have moments of feeling isolated and “stuck.” This can stem from the difference between what your life looks like now and how you would like it to be. The stress of this disconnection can seep into all aspects of your world: socially withdrawing or getting into more arguments can lead to depression and relationship conflict. You might feel like what you do is never “good enough,” increasing anxiety. You might hide your stress by focusing on what you can control, particularly after traumatic events. Therapy can help bring back joy and spontaneity into your life, helping you feel more fulfilled and energized.
(415) 449-9588 View (415) 449-9588
Photo of Jhoana Sarabia, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Jhoana Sarabia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94103  (Online Only)
Jhoana Sarabia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. Whether a client is facing anxiety, depression, experiencing grief and loss, or has substance abuse issues, Jhoana offers a judgement free environment for people of all ages, genders, cultures, and social backgrounds to explore their concerns. She specializes in helping members of the Latinx community, and has extensive cultural and linguistic knowledge.
Jhoana Sarabia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. Whether a client is facing anxiety, depression, experiencing grief and loss, or has substance abuse issues, Jhoana offers a judgement free environment for people of all ages, genders, cultures, and social backgrounds to explore their concerns. She specializes in helping members of the Latinx community, and has extensive cultural and linguistic knowledge.
(310) 943-1244 View (310) 943-1244
Photo of Marina Counseling Center, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Marina Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
At times we all need help sorting out life's complexities. At the Marina Counseling Center we offer professional, skilled, affordable, psychotherapy to address the challanges that life can bring. The Marina Counseling Center is a non-profit community counseling center and training institute in the heart of San Francisco's Marina district. We provide counseling to adults, couples, and families on fees adjusted to client needs. These fees range from $35 and up, based on ability to pay.
At times we all need help sorting out life's complexities. At the Marina Counseling Center we offer professional, skilled, affordable, psychotherapy to address the challanges that life can bring. The Marina Counseling Center is a non-profit community counseling center and training institute in the heart of San Francisco's Marina district. We provide counseling to adults, couples, and families on fees adjusted to client needs. These fees range from $35 and up, based on ability to pay.
(415) 969-2090 View (415) 969-2090
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 Octave - Downtown SF Clinic, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Octave - Downtown SF Clinic
Psychologist, PhD, PsyD, LCSW, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94105  (Online Only)
Octave is a modern practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. With in-person and virtual clinics in California, Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Washington D.C., we partner with you to develop personalized plans that can include individual, couples, and family therapy to best suit your needs. Grounded in science, our approach enables you to experience profound change that is just as measurable as it is meaningful. Learn more at www.findoctave.com
Octave is a modern practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. With in-person and virtual clinics in California, Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Washington D.C., we partner with you to develop personalized plans that can include individual, couples, and family therapy to best suit your needs. Grounded in science, our approach enables you to experience profound change that is just as measurable as it is meaningful. Learn more at www.findoctave.com
(415) 366-2851 View (415) 366-2851
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 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
Photo of Sandra Stevenson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Sandra Stevenson, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
As a solution-oriented depth therapist, I intend to promote your capacity to reveal your true potential and embrace your life as worthy of celebrating. While we cannot alter problematic or painful events from the past, we can work together to restructure their impact on the present. Through the use of complementary therapy approaches, we will adjust adverse perceptions and behavior patterns that may be binding you from fully living your life. If you are seeking professional direction through rough circumstances or traumatic crises, and if you aim to enhance your emotional well-being, I look forward to working with you to accomplish your objectives.
As a solution-oriented depth therapist, I intend to promote your capacity to reveal your true potential and embrace your life as worthy of celebrating. While we cannot alter problematic or painful events from the past, we can work together to restructure their impact on the present. Through the use of complementary therapy approaches, we will adjust adverse perceptions and behavior patterns that may be binding you from fully living your life. If you are seeking professional direction through rough circumstances or traumatic crises, and if you aim to enhance your emotional well-being, I look forward to working with you to accomplish your objectives.
(415) 735-4744 View (415) 735-4744
Photo of Brenda Renee Cordova, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Brenda Renee Cordova
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110  (Online Only)
When distressing circumstances occur, they scramble the experiences and relationships we’ve worked hard for. I offer support to people in difficult and challenging life circumstances. Organizing those experiences, making sense of them, and the relationships surrounding them, whether it be relationships with others, or the relationship we have with ourselves. This work helps us better prepare for, and make healthier and more meaningful choices in life. Traumatic experiences further impact our relationship with others, ourselves and our life goals. I offer EMDR in order to reprocess traumatic events that may be impacting your life.
When distressing circumstances occur, they scramble the experiences and relationships we’ve worked hard for. I offer support to people in difficult and challenging life circumstances. Organizing those experiences, making sense of them, and the relationships surrounding them, whether it be relationships with others, or the relationship we have with ourselves. This work helps us better prepare for, and make healthier and more meaningful choices in life. Traumatic experiences further impact our relationship with others, ourselves and our life goals. I offer EMDR in order to reprocess traumatic events that may be impacting your life.
(628) 203-1333 View (628) 203-1333

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.