Photo of Julie B Robbins, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Julie B Robbins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94121
I have had extensive experience in: child abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, trauma, divorce, adoption, fertility, chronic illness and pain, depression and anxiety, families with special needs, learning differences, school adjustments, career changes, sexual intimacy.
After over 30 years of clinical practice I realize that getting involved in therapy takes great strength, endurance, and commitment. I am always willing to offer clients a safe environment with my own strength and commitment to do the work that needs to be done. My work with children has helped me work more effectively with adults and my work with adults have helped me work more effectively with the children.Please note that during the virus crisis I am conducting sessions both in person(with some requirements) and on a Hippa approved video therapy network.
I have had extensive experience in: child abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, trauma, divorce, adoption, fertility, chronic illness and pain, depression and anxiety, families with special needs, learning differences, school adjustments, career changes, sexual intimacy.
After over 30 years of clinical practice I realize that getting involved in therapy takes great strength, endurance, and commitment. I am always willing to offer clients a safe environment with my own strength and commitment to do the work that needs to be done. My work with children has helped me work more effectively with adults and my work with adults have helped me work more effectively with the children.Please note that during the virus crisis I am conducting sessions both in person(with some requirements) and on a Hippa approved video therapy network.
(415) 802-0532 View (415) 802-0532
Photo of Michael Mayer, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Michael Mayer
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
Real transformation is possible when you have the right tools to mine your inner gems. With my 40 years experience, I give you leading-edge methods to help you deal with various psychological issues. Self-healing tools from Eastern and Western traditions can reduce or eliminate medications and empowers your inner healer to deal with your anxiety, depression, chronic pain, insomnia, trauma,hypertension, etc. Transform your inner critic into a helpful coach :-)
Real transformation is possible when you have the right tools to mine your inner gems. With my 40 years experience, I give you leading-edge methods to help you deal with various psychological issues. Self-healing tools from Eastern and Western traditions can reduce or eliminate medications and empowers your inner healer to deal with your anxiety, depression, chronic pain, insomnia, trauma,hypertension, etc. Transform your inner critic into a helpful coach :-)
(415) 931-4888 View (415) 931-4888
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 Leslie R Davis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Leslie R Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, JD, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
Perhaps you are seeking a path of self-exploration or struggling with anxiety, depression or low self-esteem. You may need some additional time to talk and make some sense out the barriers to your personal goals. Or you may desire to learn practical skills to cope with your pain. Every person is unique, which means that our time together would be tailored to your particular needs based on cultural background, family dynamics and personal values. Either way, I will be present with you and assist you as you journey toward a meaningful life.
Perhaps you are seeking a path of self-exploration or struggling with anxiety, depression or low self-esteem. You may need some additional time to talk and make some sense out the barriers to your personal goals. Or you may desire to learn practical skills to cope with your pain. Every person is unique, which means that our time together would be tailored to your particular needs based on cultural background, family dynamics and personal values. Either way, I will be present with you and assist you as you journey toward a meaningful life.
(415) 366-0587 View (415) 366-0587
Photo of Ilene Rich-Holtzberg Ph.D., Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Ilene Rich-Holtzberg Ph.D.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104
My specialty areas are substance abuse, couples issues, eating disorders, life coaching, bariatric surgery issues, infertility/adoption, helping caregivers cope with dealing with a loved one's chronic illness.
My focus is to develop a relationship with the client. This is called the two person model which is different than the old fashion practice where the doctor is one up and the client is one down. Rather, the two person model attempts to understand the client through questions and mutual discussion. I am not a silent therapist. I give feedback and remain fully engaged with the patient. Together we build a rapport. I adhere to a humanistic approach.
My specialty areas are substance abuse, couples issues, eating disorders, life coaching, bariatric surgery issues, infertility/adoption, helping caregivers cope with dealing with a loved one's chronic illness.
My focus is to develop a relationship with the client. This is called the two person model which is different than the old fashion practice where the doctor is one up and the client is one down. Rather, the two person model attempts to understand the client through questions and mutual discussion. I am not a silent therapist. I give feedback and remain fully engaged with the patient. Together we build a rapport. I adhere to a humanistic approach.
(415) 366-8999 View (415) 366-8999
Photo of Ana Dubey, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Ana Dubey
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
I offer you 20+ years of client experience and, diverse life experience (6 countries, 3 languages). I am a good listener, and will work hard to help you achieve a happier, healthier balance. My clients have spanned different ages (child/family, students, adults, elders), incomes (homeless, professionals), sexual orientations (Hetero, LGBT), and different backgrounds ("American", Asian, Latino, African American). My client's issues have included trauma, depression, chronic mental illness, anxiety, grief, relationships, life transitions, dissatisfaction, adjustment challenges, and creative block
I offer you 20+ years of client experience and, diverse life experience (6 countries, 3 languages). I am a good listener, and will work hard to help you achieve a happier, healthier balance. My clients have spanned different ages (child/family, students, adults, elders), incomes (homeless, professionals), sexual orientations (Hetero, LGBT), and different backgrounds ("American", Asian, Latino, African American). My client's issues have included trauma, depression, chronic mental illness, anxiety, grief, relationships, life transitions, dissatisfaction, adjustment challenges, and creative block
(415) 877-4792 View (415) 877-4792
Photo of Bahar Yaghoubian, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Bahar Yaghoubian
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
My name is Bahar, and I provide counseling for Anxiety, Trauma, and Pain virtually to anyone living in San Francisco, Bay Area, & Los Angeles, CA.
Before your day starts, your heart and mind are already racing, your back and neck feel tense, and your stomach feels queasy. You have this feeling that you are stuck and not sure how to get out of this situation. You think to yourself, “What is happening to my life? Why do I feel this way?” Worry, fear, avoidance, racing heart and negative thoughts. In other words, Anxiety!!! It’s taking up all your energy and controlling your thoughts, emotions, and body. It feels like the anxiety is running your life.
My name is Bahar, and I provide counseling for Anxiety, Trauma, and Pain virtually to anyone living in San Francisco, Bay Area, & Los Angeles, CA.
Before your day starts, your heart and mind are already racing, your back and neck feel tense, and your stomach feels queasy. You have this feeling that you are stuck and not sure how to get out of this situation. You think to yourself, “What is happening to my life? Why do I feel this way?” Worry, fear, avoidance, racing heart and negative thoughts. In other words, Anxiety!!! It’s taking up all your energy and controlling your thoughts, emotions, and body. It feels like the anxiety is running your life.
(818) 616-8916 View (818) 616-8916
Photo of Lusa Hung, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Lusa Hung
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94122  (Online Only)
Turning pain and loss into wisdom, guilt into gratitude, and shifting from avoidance to awareness are ways that can be helpful.
I practice exclusively with online clients residing in WA, CA & NY. I am out of network for all insurance panels. Psychology has always been a passion of mine in some shape or form. I have 14 yrs of clinical experience working with culturally diverse populations in international and domestic settings. My approach is mindfulness-based with a blend of CBT, person-centered therapy and Motivational Interviewing. I have expertise treating a wide range of psychological issues spanning the spectrum of depression, trauma/anxiety, relationship difficulties, and life adjustments, serving people across the lifespan and in different settings.
Turning pain and loss into wisdom, guilt into gratitude, and shifting from avoidance to awareness are ways that can be helpful.
I practice exclusively with online clients residing in WA, CA & NY. I am out of network for all insurance panels. Psychology has always been a passion of mine in some shape or form. I have 14 yrs of clinical experience working with culturally diverse populations in international and domestic settings. My approach is mindfulness-based with a blend of CBT, person-centered therapy and Motivational Interviewing. I have expertise treating a wide range of psychological issues spanning the spectrum of depression, trauma/anxiety, relationship difficulties, and life adjustments, serving people across the lifespan and in different settings.
(415) 825-3514 View (415) 825-3514
Photo of Matthew Moreno, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Matthew Moreno
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
This can create an unhealthy, repeating pattern causes conflict to cause a lot of pain.
In addition to working extensively with anxiety issues, I specialize in helping clients improve their relationships with their partners/spouses. I wholeheartedly welcome both straight and LGBT clients into my practice. I often tell clients that everything makes perfect sense (ie. the problems they share and how they react), and all we need to do is find the right pieces of the puzzle to help them understand. It is from this understanding that relief and solutions arise. By truly understanding what anxiety is and isn't, we learn how to navigate it so it doesn't control our lives.
This can create an unhealthy, repeating pattern causes conflict to cause a lot of pain.
In addition to working extensively with anxiety issues, I specialize in helping clients improve their relationships with their partners/spouses. I wholeheartedly welcome both straight and LGBT clients into my practice. I often tell clients that everything makes perfect sense (ie. the problems they share and how they react), and all we need to do is find the right pieces of the puzzle to help them understand. It is from this understanding that relief and solutions arise. By truly understanding what anxiety is and isn't, we learn how to navigate it so it doesn't control our lives.
(415) 675-1848 View (415) 675-1848
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 Zar Getz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Zar Getz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
I cannot move mountains for you, but I can help you climb. Facing fears, healing from loss, finding meaning and joy - these are the inevitable tasks of life. Therapy may be your first step or your last resort. Often people avoid it all together because they believe their pain is too great, worry they will be judged or that their situation is too complicated. Some people believe they should solve problems on their own or only with family and friends. However, while family and friends may want the best for us, they often come with opinions or past hurts. Sometimes it helps to have a safe space outside your daily experience.
I cannot move mountains for you, but I can help you climb. Facing fears, healing from loss, finding meaning and joy - these are the inevitable tasks of life. Therapy may be your first step or your last resort. Often people avoid it all together because they believe their pain is too great, worry they will be judged or that their situation is too complicated. Some people believe they should solve problems on their own or only with family and friends. However, while family and friends may want the best for us, they often come with opinions or past hurts. Sometimes it helps to have a safe space outside your daily experience.
(628) 237-0876 View (628) 237-0876
Photo of Rebecca A. Ward, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Rebecca A. Ward
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MA, LMFT, SEP, PCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94117  (Online Only)
Regardless of your suffering, there is a way through it and because we each have our own way of processing emotional wounds, I take an individualized approach to help you transform pain into healing. I specialize in addressing trauma and grief. This includes the loss of a loved one, traumatic loss (event-related, developmental), as well as psychological symptoms associated with chronic and terminal illness. Through an integrated approach, my work is about healing the soul and finding light in the darkness despite facing life-threatening conditions afflicting the body, mind, heart, and spirit.
Regardless of your suffering, there is a way through it and because we each have our own way of processing emotional wounds, I take an individualized approach to help you transform pain into healing. I specialize in addressing trauma and grief. This includes the loss of a loved one, traumatic loss (event-related, developmental), as well as psychological symptoms associated with chronic and terminal illness. Through an integrated approach, my work is about healing the soul and finding light in the darkness despite facing life-threatening conditions afflicting the body, mind, heart, and spirit.
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Photo of Zonya Johnson, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Zonya Johnson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94111
My Areas of Interest: relationship and intimacy, effective communication, depression, self esteem, loss, eating disorders, sexual abuse, trauma managing life crises/transitions leadership skills, life coaching ethnocultural issues, multicultural families, health and illness concerns, career family balance, stress related to infertility/reproductive technology, getting "unstuck," finding one's passion, blockages to creativity.
I have worked as a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist for over 25 years. I work with individuals and couples with a broad range of psychological and relationship problems. I very much enjoy the sociocultural diversity of the Bay Area and my psychotherapy practice reflects this diversity. Helping people maximize their individual potential is a never-ending source of satisfaction. I have special interests in relationship issues, women's issues, cultural concerns, and health-related problems. I also enjoy helping people find a balance between the demands of work, self, spirit and family.
My Areas of Interest: relationship and intimacy, effective communication, depression, self esteem, loss, eating disorders, sexual abuse, trauma managing life crises/transitions leadership skills, life coaching ethnocultural issues, multicultural families, health and illness concerns, career family balance, stress related to infertility/reproductive technology, getting "unstuck," finding one's passion, blockages to creativity.
I have worked as a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist for over 25 years. I work with individuals and couples with a broad range of psychological and relationship problems. I very much enjoy the sociocultural diversity of the Bay Area and my psychotherapy practice reflects this diversity. Helping people maximize their individual potential is a never-ending source of satisfaction. I have special interests in relationship issues, women's issues, cultural concerns, and health-related problems. I also enjoy helping people find a balance between the demands of work, self, spirit and family.
(925) 238-8809 View (925) 238-8809
Photo of Integrative Mind-Body Solutions, LLC in San Francisco, CA
Integrative Mind-Body Solutions, LLC
CHT, RMT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94140  (Online Only)
Suggestions; statements pertaining to the success of the client's goal, tap into the brain mechanisms involved in attention, motor control, pain perception, beliefs and volition.
Helping to uncover the root cause of distress by addressing painful mental states such as avoidance, isolation, people-pleasing, low self-esteem, confusion, worry, stress, and anxiety while working together to come up with a customized plan to manage the situation to feel more in control and live a happier more fulfilling life. Our approach is direct, positive & uplifting using a customized therapeutic approach in a supportive and accepting manner. We believe that through education along with a focused therapeutic approach yields the most successful results and I am there every step of the way.
Suggestions; statements pertaining to the success of the client's goal, tap into the brain mechanisms involved in attention, motor control, pain perception, beliefs and volition.
Helping to uncover the root cause of distress by addressing painful mental states such as avoidance, isolation, people-pleasing, low self-esteem, confusion, worry, stress, and anxiety while working together to come up with a customized plan to manage the situation to feel more in control and live a happier more fulfilling life. Our approach is direct, positive & uplifting using a customized therapeutic approach in a supportive and accepting manner. We believe that through education along with a focused therapeutic approach yields the most successful results and I am there every step of the way.
(415) 787-4912 View (415) 787-4912
Photo of 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 Michelle Takemoto, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Michelle Takemoto
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94127  (Online Only)
Therapy will open new doors for you, allow you to gain insight into your struggles, and create movement toward healing. I specialize in supporting women, families, and couples through difficult times such as parenting, chronic illness, marriage conflicts, grief and loss, parenting children with disabilities, cultural loss and trauma, anxiety/depression, and work-related stressors. Recovery and leading a life of fulfillment is truly possible. Take the first step toward finding hope and leading an authentic, love-filled life.
Therapy will open new doors for you, allow you to gain insight into your struggles, and create movement toward healing. I specialize in supporting women, families, and couples through difficult times such as parenting, chronic illness, marriage conflicts, grief and loss, parenting children with disabilities, cultural loss and trauma, anxiety/depression, and work-related stressors. Recovery and leading a life of fulfillment is truly possible. Take the first step toward finding hope and leading an authentic, love-filled life.
(707) 532-2360 View (707) 532-2360
Photo of Irene Schell Capuchino, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Irene Schell Capuchino
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
My approach to counseling begins with careful listening to understand your unique situation and personal goals. I will listen without judging you or rushing to a quick fix that might not be applicable for your specific situation. Many of my clients enter counseling feeling alone or overwhelmed by feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, or stress. They may feel stuck in painful relationships that aren't working, or stuck with intense feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, dread, or inner pain. My treatment approach is gentle, educational, and experiential.
My approach to counseling begins with careful listening to understand your unique situation and personal goals. I will listen without judging you or rushing to a quick fix that might not be applicable for your specific situation. Many of my clients enter counseling feeling alone or overwhelmed by feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, or stress. They may feel stuck in painful relationships that aren't working, or stuck with intense feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, dread, or inner pain. My treatment approach is gentle, educational, and experiential.
(510) 343-7798 View (510) 343-7798
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 Phuong Le, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Phuong Le
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
I use humor and compassion to provide some reprieve from personal pain and offer honesty to dispel personal inaccurate myths.
Hello, My name is Phuong Le. I am a Vietnamese bilingual psychotherapist who would like to bring therapy to people who feel therapy is only accessible to just the few. I am particularly passionate about offering services to people experiencing marginalization. I have been trained in psychodynamic approaches, objects-relations theory, cognitive behavioral therapy approaches and use mindfulness as an integral part of of work with clients. I have worked as a direct service clinician, manager, Clinical Supervisor, and overseeing contracts for mental health provider agencies. I have dedicatedly career to empower and enhance the voice
I use humor and compassion to provide some reprieve from personal pain and offer honesty to dispel personal inaccurate myths.
Hello, My name is Phuong Le. I am a Vietnamese bilingual psychotherapist who would like to bring therapy to people who feel therapy is only accessible to just the few. I am particularly passionate about offering services to people experiencing marginalization. I have been trained in psychodynamic approaches, objects-relations theory, cognitive behavioral therapy approaches and use mindfulness as an integral part of of work with clients. I have worked as a direct service clinician, manager, Clinical Supervisor, and overseeing contracts for mental health provider agencies. I have dedicatedly career to empower and enhance the voice
(341) 766-0650 View (341) 766-0650
Photo of Jenny Vladimirov, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Jenny Vladimirov
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
As we age, our well-being is impacted by various life transitions such as retirement, physical health issues, relocation, and loss of loved ones. I provide assistance in navigating this new territory with a focus on building resilience, supporting personal agency, developing coping skills, and increasing mindfulness. During psychotherapy sessions and care consultations, I offer guidance in the following areas: mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, sleep disorders, grief and loss, living with illness, disability, and chronic pain, planning for retirement and aging, caregiving and care-receiving.
As we age, our well-being is impacted by various life transitions such as retirement, physical health issues, relocation, and loss of loved ones. I provide assistance in navigating this new territory with a focus on building resilience, supporting personal agency, developing coping skills, and increasing mindfulness. During psychotherapy sessions and care consultations, I offer guidance in the following areas: mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, sleep disorders, grief and loss, living with illness, disability, and chronic pain, planning for retirement and aging, caregiving and care-receiving.
(650) 610-1842 View (650) 610-1842

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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.