Photo of Dr. Anna Yam, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Dr. Anna Yam
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
My second main area of focus is pelvic pain in women, including vaginismus, vulvodynia, painful sex, endometriosis, IBS, & bladder pain.
I help individuals who are feeling overwhelmed. Do you feel like you should be doing something more, even when you're already doing something? Is your inner voice telling you to do more, be more, or strive harder? Have you felt like you're failing or "broken" or that there aren't people who understand or care about your suffering? In our work together, we will explore ways of developing comfort with the spectrum of emotions. We also work to balance your caregiving responsibilities with your needs, creating space for your most replenished, empowered self.
My second main area of focus is pelvic pain in women, including vaginismus, vulvodynia, painful sex, endometriosis, IBS, & bladder pain.
I help individuals who are feeling overwhelmed. Do you feel like you should be doing something more, even when you're already doing something? Is your inner voice telling you to do more, be more, or strive harder? Have you felt like you're failing or "broken" or that there aren't people who understand or care about your suffering? In our work together, we will explore ways of developing comfort with the spectrum of emotions. We also work to balance your caregiving responsibilities with your needs, creating space for your most replenished, empowered self.
(858) 430-8069 View (858) 430-8069
Photo of Dr. Holiday Healing Psychology, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Dr. Holiday Healing Psychology
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94101
While I work with a broad range of mental health conditions, my particular areas of specialty include anxiety, phobias, OCD, PTSD, depression, insomnia, chronic pain, and stress for high performers.
Have you and your partner been frustrated by having the same argument over and over again? Are you struggling to cope with anxiety, life transitions, or stress in your daily life? Do you get triggered by things in your environment that remind you of a stressful past event? If this sounds like you, then you have come to the right place. My approach to therapy is warm, compassionate, and nonjudgemental. I strive to help clients utilize their strengths and improve their coping using evidence-based practices.
While I work with a broad range of mental health conditions, my particular areas of specialty include anxiety, phobias, OCD, PTSD, depression, insomnia, chronic pain, and stress for high performers.
Have you and your partner been frustrated by having the same argument over and over again? Are you struggling to cope with anxiety, life transitions, or stress in your daily life? Do you get triggered by things in your environment that remind you of a stressful past event? If this sounds like you, then you have come to the right place. My approach to therapy is warm, compassionate, and nonjudgemental. I strive to help clients utilize their strengths and improve their coping using evidence-based practices.
(310) 919-1598 View (310) 919-1598
Photo of Mary Jean (Mj) Paris, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Mary Jean (Mj) Paris
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over thirty years of psychotherapy experience. I've come to view what I do as an unique and specialized form of education. I "teach" not so much by telling people what to do (although good advice can sometimes be very useful), but by offering supportive, empathic and honest feedback. Individuals and problems are unique; sometimes solution oriented approaches are warranted, and other times insight and exploration help to provide clarification and relief.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over thirty years of psychotherapy experience. I've come to view what I do as an unique and specialized form of education. I "teach" not so much by telling people what to do (although good advice can sometimes be very useful), but by offering supportive, empathic and honest feedback. Individuals and problems are unique; sometimes solution oriented approaches are warranted, and other times insight and exploration help to provide clarification and relief.
(650) 385-8070 View (650) 385-8070
Photo of India B. Gomez, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
India B. Gomez
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
I am accepting clients for therapy, coaching, and testing. E-mail is the best way to reach me for a consultation. As a clinical psychologist, I offer therapy and coaching for personal/professional growth. I work with clients to enhance coping with stress, bolster resiliency, and overcome obstacles to living more fully. I also specialize in psychological/personality and intellectual/academic testing and assessment. I have worked with clients of all ages from numerous intersecting ethnic, racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds, as well as a wide range of sexual and gender orientations and various abilities/disabilities.
I am accepting clients for therapy, coaching, and testing. E-mail is the best way to reach me for a consultation. As a clinical psychologist, I offer therapy and coaching for personal/professional growth. I work with clients to enhance coping with stress, bolster resiliency, and overcome obstacles to living more fully. I also specialize in psychological/personality and intellectual/academic testing and assessment. I have worked with clients of all ages from numerous intersecting ethnic, racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds, as well as a wide range of sexual and gender orientations and various abilities/disabilities.
(925) 392-3428 View (925) 392-3428
Photo of Patricia Jane Weiss, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Patricia Jane Weiss
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
This is Dr. Patricia Jane Weiss, PhD. I am a Neuropsychologist, and I specialize in treating children , teens and adults. I do an assessment of cognitive and psychological tests. The point of the assessment (group of tests) is to determine if the client has any Learning Disorders that are blocking them from being able to use their full potential in both school and/or work. I specialize in children and teens who may need accommodations at school, and on Standardized testing or testing at school.I also work with adults who may need accommodations at work or who are involved in forensic situations.
This is Dr. Patricia Jane Weiss, PhD. I am a Neuropsychologist, and I specialize in treating children , teens and adults. I do an assessment of cognitive and psychological tests. The point of the assessment (group of tests) is to determine if the client has any Learning Disorders that are blocking them from being able to use their full potential in both school and/or work. I specialize in children and teens who may need accommodations at school, and on Standardized testing or testing at school.I also work with adults who may need accommodations at work or who are involved in forensic situations.
(415) 528-3274 View (415) 528-3274
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)
We practice from an integrated approach to wellness. We combine psychology with hypnotherapy, dreamwork and spirituality. The goal is to tap into the wisdom and healing powers that reside just below conscious awareness. The emergence of self-compassion, self-love and forgiveness builds the foundation that supports transformational healing. We trust each person is the expert in their own life and each person holds the answer they are seeking. Our role is to help those with whom we work to uncover the wisdom and resources they possess.
We practice from an integrated approach to wellness. We combine psychology with hypnotherapy, dreamwork and spirituality. The goal is to tap into the wisdom and healing powers that reside just below conscious awareness. The emergence of self-compassion, self-love and forgiveness builds the foundation that supports transformational healing. We trust each person is the expert in their own life and each person holds the answer they are seeking. Our role is to help those with whom we work to uncover the wisdom and resources they possess.
(209) 370-2663 View (209) 370-2663
Photo of Dr. Keiko Y. Miller, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Dr. Keiko Y. Miller
Psychologist, PsyD, MSCP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94112
Dr. Keiko Miller is a neuropsychologist located in Walnut Creek and is the founder of Aspire Neuropsychological Services. She has worked in the field of Autism since 2003 and has worked in the field of neuropsychology since 2009. She conducts a variety of evaluations of adults and children ages 12 months+. She earned her Psy.D. degree in 2011 and Masters of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP) in 2019 from California School of Professional Psychology. She holds an active license in California. Aspire has clinicians from a variety of specialities in an effort to meet our patient's needs.
Dr. Keiko Miller is a neuropsychologist located in Walnut Creek and is the founder of Aspire Neuropsychological Services. She has worked in the field of Autism since 2003 and has worked in the field of neuropsychology since 2009. She conducts a variety of evaluations of adults and children ages 12 months+. She earned her Psy.D. degree in 2011 and Masters of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP) in 2019 from California School of Professional Psychology. She holds an active license in California. Aspire has clinicians from a variety of specialities in an effort to meet our patient's needs.
(925) 406-3262 View (925) 406-3262
Photo of Stacey Nelson, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Stacey Nelson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123  (Online Only)
Welcome to my practice! I'm a licensed psychologist who specializes in psychological, psychoeducational, and neuropsychological evaluations of children, adolescents, and adults. You may be seeking an evaluation for yourself or your child in order to clarify areas of concern, formulate a set of recommendations, and/or determine eligibility for accommodations either in school or for standardized testing. An evaluation can serve to help better understand your challenges, highlight your strengths, and help you reach your potential in a variety of life domains.
Welcome to my practice! I'm a licensed psychologist who specializes in psychological, psychoeducational, and neuropsychological evaluations of children, adolescents, and adults. You may be seeking an evaluation for yourself or your child in order to clarify areas of concern, formulate a set of recommendations, and/or determine eligibility for accommodations either in school or for standardized testing. An evaluation can serve to help better understand your challenges, highlight your strengths, and help you reach your potential in a variety of life domains.
(415) 532-8731 View (415) 532-8731
Photo of Laurel Olvera, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Laurel Olvera
Psychologist, PhD, MS
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in California with 23 years of professional work experience. My mission is to deliver life-changing care to teens, adults, families, couples and geriatric individuals who experience a wide array of mental health conditions and current life challenges. Such as: traumatic stress, struggles with feeling scattered and not accomplishing your goals, managing emotions, challenging negative thinking, and reducing stress and anxiety. Today's world can be intense and stressful, and it's taking an unprecedented toll on kids, teens, adults, couples and families.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in California with 23 years of professional work experience. My mission is to deliver life-changing care to teens, adults, families, couples and geriatric individuals who experience a wide array of mental health conditions and current life challenges. Such as: traumatic stress, struggles with feeling scattered and not accomplishing your goals, managing emotions, challenging negative thinking, and reducing stress and anxiety. Today's world can be intense and stressful, and it's taking an unprecedented toll on kids, teens, adults, couples and families.
(805) 500-7803 View (805) 500-7803
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 Mauricio Lask, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Mauricio Lask
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94607
I have over 10 years of experience providing psychotherapy to people facing a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, stress, and chronic pain.
Whether you are struggling with difficult emotions or you would like to have a more vital life, therapy can help guide your personal journey. There are moments when we all struggle, get lost, and stray off the path towards our goals. We get stuck in unhelpful patterns that are hard to break free from. Insight into these patterns can lead to making different choices that are empowering and life-affirming. I create a warm and inviting space for exploration and personal growth. While I provide therapy for adolescents and adults, I also provide psychological evaluations to clients across the lifespan.
I have over 10 years of experience providing psychotherapy to people facing a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, stress, and chronic pain.
Whether you are struggling with difficult emotions or you would like to have a more vital life, therapy can help guide your personal journey. There are moments when we all struggle, get lost, and stray off the path towards our goals. We get stuck in unhelpful patterns that are hard to break free from. Insight into these patterns can lead to making different choices that are empowering and life-affirming. I create a warm and inviting space for exploration and personal growth. While I provide therapy for adolescents and adults, I also provide psychological evaluations to clients across the lifespan.
(510) 240-8249 View (510) 240-8249
Photo of Bridge the Gap Addiction and Mental Health Service, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in San Francisco, CA
Bridge the Gap Addiction and Mental Health Service
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MS, LCADC, LAACD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
We place special emphasis on all addiction disorders moderate and chronic issues. We specialize in non-medical detoxification that place emphasis's on spirituality. We promote abstinence by providing individualized treatment plans, family education, legal resources, local community resources, and Twelve Step groups. We provide other valuable classes court ordered domestic violence (men & women), driver under the influence and marriage/relationship classes. We offer four hour marijuana education classes.
We place special emphasis on all addiction disorders moderate and chronic issues. We specialize in non-medical detoxification that place emphasis's on spirituality. We promote abstinence by providing individualized treatment plans, family education, legal resources, local community resources, and Twelve Step groups. We provide other valuable classes court ordered domestic violence (men & women), driver under the influence and marriage/relationship classes. We offer four hour marijuana education classes.
(502) 547-8096 View (502) 547-8096

Online Therapists

Photo of Brain Health Clinic, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Brain Health Clinic
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, MFT, BCN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95819
Here is the focus areas of treatment: Traumatic Brain Injury, Better Brain Function, Holistic Care (relating to overall mental wellness), Nutritional Counseling, Stress and Anxiety, Chronic Pain, Depression, Migraines, Insomnia, Attention Deficit Disorder, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
At the Brain Health Clinic Our mission is to help you discover or rediscover your potential by leading a life that is more satisfying. We do this through many avenues. We offer biofeedback, neurofeedback, neuromodulation and psychotherapy. If you are seeking a therapist, it is likely because you are experiencing significant upset in your life. It is as important to us as it is to you that we have the right relationship that works for both of us. Give us a call and we will find the right therapist within our group for you.
Here is the focus areas of treatment: Traumatic Brain Injury, Better Brain Function, Holistic Care (relating to overall mental wellness), Nutritional Counseling, Stress and Anxiety, Chronic Pain, Depression, Migraines, Insomnia, Attention Deficit Disorder, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
At the Brain Health Clinic Our mission is to help you discover or rediscover your potential by leading a life that is more satisfying. We do this through many avenues. We offer biofeedback, neurofeedback, neuromodulation and psychotherapy. If you are seeking a therapist, it is likely because you are experiencing significant upset in your life. It is as important to us as it is to you that we have the right relationship that works for both of us. Give us a call and we will find the right therapist within our group for you.
(916) 398-2613 View (916) 398-2613
Photo of Sunshine Neuropsychology, Inc., Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Sunshine Neuropsychology, Inc.
Psychologist, PsyD, MA, CBIS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Tracy, CA 95377
Sunshine Neuropsychology, Inc. offers a variety of services to improve the life quality of children and adults. Assessments we offer include Neuropsychological, Psychological, ADHD, Autism, Learning Disability, Intellectual Disability, Independent Educational (IEE), Gifted, Pre-Surgical, Chronic Pain, and Political Asylum. Individual psychotherapy is offered to treat a plethora of conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, grief, posttraumatic stress, limited social skills). Cognitive rehabilitation therapy (i.e., therapy that helps clients improve cognitive functioning after brain injury) is available as well.
Sunshine Neuropsychology, Inc. offers a variety of services to improve the life quality of children and adults. Assessments we offer include Neuropsychological, Psychological, ADHD, Autism, Learning Disability, Intellectual Disability, Independent Educational (IEE), Gifted, Pre-Surgical, Chronic Pain, and Political Asylum. Individual psychotherapy is offered to treat a plethora of conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, grief, posttraumatic stress, limited social skills). Cognitive rehabilitation therapy (i.e., therapy that helps clients improve cognitive functioning after brain injury) is available as well.
(209) 682-0071 View (209) 682-0071
Photo of Dr. Katherine Plambeck, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Dr. Katherine Plambeck
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94704  (Online Only)
I believe therapy is a collaborative process that can lead to powerful transformations and enrichment. Life presents us with many challenges and my aim is to help you live a meaningful life even when difficulties or pain are present. I use what matters to you most as a guide towards making changes in your life. I offer specific strategies and tools that help shift your relationship to difficult thoughts and feelings, and take steps towards your personal goals. I strive to create a space that is respectful, warm, and welcoming to all. I specialize in evidence-based and mindfulness approaches within a culturally sensitive framework.
I believe therapy is a collaborative process that can lead to powerful transformations and enrichment. Life presents us with many challenges and my aim is to help you live a meaningful life even when difficulties or pain are present. I use what matters to you most as a guide towards making changes in your life. I offer specific strategies and tools that help shift your relationship to difficult thoughts and feelings, and take steps towards your personal goals. I strive to create a space that is respectful, warm, and welcoming to all. I specialize in evidence-based and mindfulness approaches within a culturally sensitive framework.
(925) 259-3332 View (925) 259-3332
Photo of Andrew Schnell, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Andrew Schnell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
This includes areas of community mental health, private practice, residential facilities, foster care, county mental health, juvenile hall, schools, substance abuse and chemical dependency, adults with severe and persistent mental illness, and crisis intervention.
As human beings we learn, develop meaning, and create a sense of purpose through each other and the relationships we form. In the same spirit I believe the therapeutic process is driven by the relationship formed between the client and the therapist. This is why my approach in therapy is guided by the question - "How can I provide a relationship which this person may use for their personal growth?" I strive to create an empathic, nonjudgmental atmosphere where you feel safe and empowered to work toward personal growth and creating lasting change; forming trust and leaning toward vulnerability.
This includes areas of community mental health, private practice, residential facilities, foster care, county mental health, juvenile hall, schools, substance abuse and chemical dependency, adults with severe and persistent mental illness, and crisis intervention.
As human beings we learn, develop meaning, and create a sense of purpose through each other and the relationships we form. In the same spirit I believe the therapeutic process is driven by the relationship formed between the client and the therapist. This is why my approach in therapy is guided by the question - "How can I provide a relationship which this person may use for their personal growth?" I strive to create an empathic, nonjudgmental atmosphere where you feel safe and empowered to work toward personal growth and creating lasting change; forming trust and leaning toward vulnerability.
(650) 405-0646 View (650) 405-0646
Photo of Dr. Rebecca A Scott, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Dr. Rebecca A Scott
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Danville, CA 94506  (Online Only)
My experience helping patients in a major group practice, providing them with a mental health perspective on their care, has allowed me to become an expert in rapid assessment and specialize in most forms of mental illness.
When we feel stuck in our situation, it can create feelings of hopelessness. In addition to the many problems that complicate our daily lives such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, patients come to me with complex relationship issues including marital distress, divorce recovery, verbal & emotional abuse, loss of child, parent, or spouse. I approach therapy from a holistic perspective, to address the root problem, not just the symptoms. Like physical therapy, the goal is to get well and end treatment. I offer perspective on your experience, and provide clear, concise directions on meeting your treatment goals.
My experience helping patients in a major group practice, providing them with a mental health perspective on their care, has allowed me to become an expert in rapid assessment and specialize in most forms of mental illness.
When we feel stuck in our situation, it can create feelings of hopelessness. In addition to the many problems that complicate our daily lives such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, patients come to me with complex relationship issues including marital distress, divorce recovery, verbal & emotional abuse, loss of child, parent, or spouse. I approach therapy from a holistic perspective, to address the root problem, not just the symptoms. Like physical therapy, the goal is to get well and end treatment. I offer perspective on your experience, and provide clear, concise directions on meeting your treatment goals.
(925) 413-3305 View (925) 413-3305
Photo of Akshay Naresh, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Akshay Naresh
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704  (Online Only)
Dr. Akshay Naresh is a clinical psychologist and has worked with patients across the lifespan in various contexts including community mental health clinics, hospitals, and educational facilities (secondary, community colleges, & universities). He has experience working with a wide range of mental health concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, body image issues, eating disorders, relationship issues, gender and sexual identity, and multi-cultural issues. He uses an integrative approach to create a space for meaningful life changes by helping patients develop self-compassion, self-acceptance, and self-awareness.
Dr. Akshay Naresh is a clinical psychologist and has worked with patients across the lifespan in various contexts including community mental health clinics, hospitals, and educational facilities (secondary, community colleges, & universities). He has experience working with a wide range of mental health concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, body image issues, eating disorders, relationship issues, gender and sexual identity, and multi-cultural issues. He uses an integrative approach to create a space for meaningful life changes by helping patients develop self-compassion, self-acceptance, and self-awareness.
(341) 444-3852 View (341) 444-3852
Photo of Dr. Kan Psychological Services, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Dr. Kan Psychological Services
Psychologist, PhD, LMHC, MSEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94588
I provide psychological, psychoeducational, and neuropsychological evaluations to children and adults in English, Cantonese, or Mandarin. Most clients seek evaluations due to inattention (ADHD), mood disorders, anxiety, learning difficulties, social communication differences (ASD), and challenges at work, school, or home. I emphasize the impact of sociocultural factors on the examinee's symptoms, experiences, and functioning. The goals of an evaluation are to clarify the diagnosis and offer recommendations to improve one's functioning. I also offer immigration-related (including N-648) and independent education evaluations (IEEs).
I provide psychological, psychoeducational, and neuropsychological evaluations to children and adults in English, Cantonese, or Mandarin. Most clients seek evaluations due to inattention (ADHD), mood disorders, anxiety, learning difficulties, social communication differences (ASD), and challenges at work, school, or home. I emphasize the impact of sociocultural factors on the examinee's symptoms, experiences, and functioning. The goals of an evaluation are to clarify the diagnosis and offer recommendations to improve one's functioning. I also offer immigration-related (including N-648) and independent education evaluations (IEEs).
(925) 794-8335 View (925) 794-8335
Photo of Pali Gill, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Pali Gill
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, NCC, PPS-SC
Verified Verified
Folsom, CA 95630
As a therapist, I believe I can work with most situations because I am eager to learn from you, to research, and to problem solve with you for the best solutions regarding your current need for therapy. I believe I am astute at assisting missed possibilities or blinders that might be hindering you and your ability to live the life you know is possible. This can be related to uprooting past traumas, coping with current stressors, or the uncertainty of developing your life purpose. I listen carefully to assist with ruptured relationships, strained life circumstances, hindered growth, and the grief and loss that comes from these hurts.
As a therapist, I believe I can work with most situations because I am eager to learn from you, to research, and to problem solve with you for the best solutions regarding your current need for therapy. I believe I am astute at assisting missed possibilities or blinders that might be hindering you and your ability to live the life you know is possible. This can be related to uprooting past traumas, coping with current stressors, or the uncertainty of developing your life purpose. I listen carefully to assist with ruptured relationships, strained life circumstances, hindered growth, and the grief and loss that comes from these hurts.
(916) 866-9446 View (916) 866-9446

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.