Photo of Anna Ayeroff, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in 91101, CA
Anna Ayeroff
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101  (Online Only)
It's not all in your head! In a culture that marginalizes and dismisses people’s pain, many of us are left needing to feel heard. I specialize in work with individuals and couples navigating pelvic, sexual, and chronic pain for this reason. Here, your stories will be listened to, your experiences validated, and your pain believed. Whether you’re navigating chronic pelvic pain caused by a condition like endometriosis, or you’re a couple navigating illness, infertility, or painful sex, I’m here to offer you support. This pain is not just a physical experience, it’s emotional and relational.
It's not all in your head! In a culture that marginalizes and dismisses people’s pain, many of us are left needing to feel heard. I specialize in work with individuals and couples navigating pelvic, sexual, and chronic pain for this reason. Here, your stories will be listened to, your experiences validated, and your pain believed. Whether you’re navigating chronic pelvic pain caused by a condition like endometriosis, or you’re a couple navigating illness, infertility, or painful sex, I’m here to offer you support. This pain is not just a physical experience, it’s emotional and relational.
(323) 417-9837 View (323) 417-9837
Photo of Kate Truitt, Psychologist in 91101, CA
Kate Truitt
Psychologist, PhD, MBA, MA
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
We specialize in PTSD, Developmental Trauma/C-PTSD, OCD, Panic, Phobias, Depression, Addiction, Medical Trauma, Chronic Pain & Illness, and more.
Hello and welcome to the next evolution of psychotherapy. The future of health and wellness is in your hands. At Dr. Kate Truitt & Associates our goal to walk with you through healing the darker and more painful moments of life while building long-term and sustainable change. We focus on healing the past, creating the present, and building the future. Through incorporating brain science and body-based healing modalities, we focus on whole person healing and we don't stop there. It is our goal to help you design and create your most fulfilled life through providing services for full mind and body healing.
We specialize in PTSD, Developmental Trauma/C-PTSD, OCD, Panic, Phobias, Depression, Addiction, Medical Trauma, Chronic Pain & Illness, and more.
Hello and welcome to the next evolution of psychotherapy. The future of health and wellness is in your hands. At Dr. Kate Truitt & Associates our goal to walk with you through healing the darker and more painful moments of life while building long-term and sustainable change. We focus on healing the past, creating the present, and building the future. Through incorporating brain science and body-based healing modalities, we focus on whole person healing and we don't stop there. It is our goal to help you design and create your most fulfilled life through providing services for full mind and body healing.
(323) 629-4353 View (323) 629-4353
Photo of Clara I. Aparicio, PsyD, Psychologist in 91101, CA
Clara I. Aparicio, PsyD
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
I specialize in treating depression and anxiety disorders, trauma, chronic pain management, impostor syndrome, life transitions, life and career coaching, and relationship issues.
I am a bilingual, Spanish-speaking, clinical psychologist. My clinical work has focused on providing holistic mental health care, taking into account cultural, family dynamics, spiritual, social-economic, and medical factors that contribute to mental health conditions. Life's journey was never meant to be traveled alone. Our experiences, life's highs and lows, are best lived in communion with others.
I specialize in treating depression and anxiety disorders, trauma, chronic pain management, impostor syndrome, life transitions, life and career coaching, and relationship issues.
I am a bilingual, Spanish-speaking, clinical psychologist. My clinical work has focused on providing holistic mental health care, taking into account cultural, family dynamics, spiritual, social-economic, and medical factors that contribute to mental health conditions. Life's journey was never meant to be traveled alone. Our experiences, life's highs and lows, are best lived in communion with others.
(626) 587-3917 View (626) 587-3917
Photo of Cherylynne Berger, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 91101, CA
Cherylynne Berger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91101
I have expertise in working with individuals and families struggling with chronic illness, eating disorders, grief, anxiety, depression, adolescent concerns, parenting, relationship & marital difficulties, and family cultural or generational conflicts.
Every person has their own unique process of healing and growth. Psychotherapy is a valuable pathway toward finding balance and wholeness in your life. As your therapist, I approach my work with profound respect for your individual nature, values, and beliefs. Psychotherapy is essentially a collaborative process in which we work together to explore the difficulties you're facing and find solutions that will work for you. Real possibilities for meaningful change can emerge when the essence of your 'self' is genuinely understood. My goal is to support your journey as you move towards a more fulfilling and authentic life.
I have expertise in working with individuals and families struggling with chronic illness, eating disorders, grief, anxiety, depression, adolescent concerns, parenting, relationship & marital difficulties, and family cultural or generational conflicts.
Every person has their own unique process of healing and growth. Psychotherapy is a valuable pathway toward finding balance and wholeness in your life. As your therapist, I approach my work with profound respect for your individual nature, values, and beliefs. Psychotherapy is essentially a collaborative process in which we work together to explore the difficulties you're facing and find solutions that will work for you. Real possibilities for meaningful change can emerge when the essence of your 'self' is genuinely understood. My goal is to support your journey as you move towards a more fulfilling and authentic life.
(626) 415-8787 View (626) 415-8787
Photo of Jason Wildman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 91101, CA
Jason Wildman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, life-transitions, relationship challenges, illness/loss, and trauma; and with couples experiencing communication, intimacy/trust, sexual and infidelity issues.
I believe deeply in the transformative potential and enduring nature of psychotherapy. When we're feeling stuck, confused or alone, therapy can help us to untangle our emotions, clarify our struggles, and better understand ourselves and others - ultimately forming inroads to real and lasting change. I am a compassionate and collaborative therapist: I establish a safe, non-judgmental space where our mutual exploration of your relationships, family history, career, sexuality, or whatever is troubling you currently - as well as aspects of our therapeutic relationship - will open pathways to new awareness and opportunities for welcome change, growth and healing.
I specialize in working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, life-transitions, relationship challenges, illness/loss, and trauma; and with couples experiencing communication, intimacy/trust, sexual and infidelity issues.
I believe deeply in the transformative potential and enduring nature of psychotherapy. When we're feeling stuck, confused or alone, therapy can help us to untangle our emotions, clarify our struggles, and better understand ourselves and others - ultimately forming inroads to real and lasting change. I am a compassionate and collaborative therapist: I establish a safe, non-judgmental space where our mutual exploration of your relationships, family history, career, sexuality, or whatever is troubling you currently - as well as aspects of our therapeutic relationship - will open pathways to new awareness and opportunities for welcome change, growth and healing.
(347) 846-2310 View (347) 846-2310
Photo of Juan Antonio Moriel, Marriage & Family Therapist in 91101, CA
Juan Antonio Moriel
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
Specialties include: Gaslighting and Narcissitic Abuse, Chronic Pain/Physical Illness, Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Transgender Issues, LGBTQI, Work Issues, Relationship Issues, Self-Esteem, Child, Adolescent, & Family Therapy.
Are you a victim of gaslighting and narcissistic abuse? Are you struggling with a relationship problem? Are you tired of going in circles around an issue? Do you feel stuck and not sure what to do? I provide you with the knowledge and understanding of how relationships work and how problems can be resolved in even the most challenging situations. I provide psychotherapy services for adults, children & adolescents, and families.
Specialties include: Gaslighting and Narcissitic Abuse, Chronic Pain/Physical Illness, Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Transgender Issues, LGBTQI, Work Issues, Relationship Issues, Self-Esteem, Child, Adolescent, & Family Therapy.
Are you a victim of gaslighting and narcissistic abuse? Are you struggling with a relationship problem? Are you tired of going in circles around an issue? Do you feel stuck and not sure what to do? I provide you with the knowledge and understanding of how relationships work and how problems can be resolved in even the most challenging situations. I provide psychotherapy services for adults, children & adolescents, and families.
(626) 344-9907 View (626) 344-9907
Photo of Henry Meraz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 91101, CA
Henry Meraz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
I specialize in trauma, chronic medical illness, anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, career struggles, academic barriers, interpersonal relations, grief, OCD, & sexual health.
I work to provide a supportive and client-centered space for individuals to share their experiences. Reaching out to a therapist can be a difficult experience and it is important to me that my clients feel comfortable and safe. I am genuinely passionate about building a healthy, nurturing, and interactive relationship with clients, which will help foster growth and change. I earned my BA from the UCLA and my Masters in Social Work from USC. I am currently providing psychotherapy both in-person and via telehealth.
I specialize in trauma, chronic medical illness, anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, career struggles, academic barriers, interpersonal relations, grief, OCD, & sexual health.
I work to provide a supportive and client-centered space for individuals to share their experiences. Reaching out to a therapist can be a difficult experience and it is important to me that my clients feel comfortable and safe. I am genuinely passionate about building a healthy, nurturing, and interactive relationship with clients, which will help foster growth and change. I earned my BA from the UCLA and my Masters in Social Work from USC. I am currently providing psychotherapy both in-person and via telehealth.
(818) 646-5397 View (818) 646-5397
Photo of Melissa McDaniel, Psychologist in 91101, CA
Melissa McDaniel
Psychologist, PsyD, MSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101  (Online Only)
Emotional pain needs a relational home in which it can be held and tolerated.
In your psychotherapy with me, I will aim to help you feel understood as we explore the life difficulties you have faced, and currently face. I emphasize empathy in my work, and provide a safe environment in which to help you process your painful experiences and understand how they may be influencing your current struggles. Unprocessed emotional pain is commonly at the core of the symptoms we experience; yet it is often dismissed or suppressed. We will process your feelings and experiences to help make sense out of them and reduce your symptoms.
Emotional pain needs a relational home in which it can be held and tolerated.
In your psychotherapy with me, I will aim to help you feel understood as we explore the life difficulties you have faced, and currently face. I emphasize empathy in my work, and provide a safe environment in which to help you process your painful experiences and understand how they may be influencing your current struggles. Unprocessed emotional pain is commonly at the core of the symptoms we experience; yet it is often dismissed or suppressed. We will process your feelings and experiences to help make sense out of them and reduce your symptoms.
(323) 947-2557 View (323) 947-2557
Photo of Kristin Sheehan, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in 91101, CA
Kristin Sheehan
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101  (Online Only)
Do you feel stuck in patterns of anxious thoughts, disordered eating, or unhealthy relationships? Do you feel unsafe in your body due to trauma or chronic illness? I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Somatic Therapy to help clients get unstuck and reconnect to the wisdom and safety of their body. I use an attachment-based and trauma-informed approach to help clients identify their unhelpful narratives, challenge them, and take healthy risks. If you are ready to go deeper than traditional talk therapy and crave a healing connection with your mind, body, and spirit, I am here to help.
Do you feel stuck in patterns of anxious thoughts, disordered eating, or unhealthy relationships? Do you feel unsafe in your body due to trauma or chronic illness? I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Somatic Therapy to help clients get unstuck and reconnect to the wisdom and safety of their body. I use an attachment-based and trauma-informed approach to help clients identify their unhelpful narratives, challenge them, and take healthy risks. If you are ready to go deeper than traditional talk therapy and crave a healing connection with your mind, body, and spirit, I am here to help.
(415) 943-8338 View (415) 943-8338
Photo of Liliana E. Llamas, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 91101, CA
Liliana E. Llamas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101  (Online Only)
As a clinical therapist, I aim to empower you by understanding the ties between your thoughts, past experiences, current stressors, and emotional pain.
Taking the step towards therapy is an act of courage and self-care, and I'm deeply honored to be part of your transformative journey towards personal growth. I am truly passionate about helping you discover inner peace and resilience to create a sense of belonging within yourself. Together, we will navigate the obstacles that may have made you experienced fear, loss, rejection, or feel like you weren't enough. With over fourteen years of experience, my specialization lies in supporting emerging generation and adults facing a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma, loss, or life adjustments.
As a clinical therapist, I aim to empower you by understanding the ties between your thoughts, past experiences, current stressors, and emotional pain.
Taking the step towards therapy is an act of courage and self-care, and I'm deeply honored to be part of your transformative journey towards personal growth. I am truly passionate about helping you discover inner peace and resilience to create a sense of belonging within yourself. Together, we will navigate the obstacles that may have made you experienced fear, loss, rejection, or feel like you weren't enough. With over fourteen years of experience, my specialization lies in supporting emerging generation and adults facing a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma, loss, or life adjustments.
(714) 426-6959 View (714) 426-6959
Photo of Isla Dennis, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 91101, CA
Isla Dennis
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101  (Online Only)
Are you stuck in the same old arguments? Struggling with communication, boundaries, thoughts of leaving, or infidelity? Or maybe intimacy feels awkward or stale? Are you or your loved ones repeating behaviors or relationships and wishing you could break the cycle? Sometimes we get stuck, and change can feel impossible. That's where I come in. My job is to listen, help you understand root causes of your difficulties, break unwanted patterns, and teach you practical tools to help change your life. If you have the sense you're not reaching your potential for health, happiness, or success, it may be time to move toward a change.
Are you stuck in the same old arguments? Struggling with communication, boundaries, thoughts of leaving, or infidelity? Or maybe intimacy feels awkward or stale? Are you or your loved ones repeating behaviors or relationships and wishing you could break the cycle? Sometimes we get stuck, and change can feel impossible. That's where I come in. My job is to listen, help you understand root causes of your difficulties, break unwanted patterns, and teach you practical tools to help change your life. If you have the sense you're not reaching your potential for health, happiness, or success, it may be time to move toward a change.
(626) 507-2747 View (626) 507-2747
Photo of Helen Hyesung Ahn, Marriage & Family Therapist in 91101, CA
Helen Hyesung Ahn
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91101
In life, people are sometimes feeling stuck, frustrated, or overwhelmed as a result of current life stressors or have been living with long-standing issues. I have often observed that many people don’t remember their inner resources or feel they never have any inner wisdom when they are in challenging situations. I believe that therapeutic process could help people remember their innate resources such as strengths, wisdom, positive emotions, etc.I will support people in improving their lives by gaining personal insights, making healthier choices in difficult times, and allowing for positive change to occur in their lives.
In life, people are sometimes feeling stuck, frustrated, or overwhelmed as a result of current life stressors or have been living with long-standing issues. I have often observed that many people don’t remember their inner resources or feel they never have any inner wisdom when they are in challenging situations. I believe that therapeutic process could help people remember their innate resources such as strengths, wisdom, positive emotions, etc.I will support people in improving their lives by gaining personal insights, making healthier choices in difficult times, and allowing for positive change to occur in their lives.
(657) 255-8526 View (657) 255-8526
Photo of Lauren Permenter, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 91101, CA
Lauren Permenter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
You make it through the day to day but inside you’re fearful, anxious or depressed. You’re bottling things up and lashing out at seemingly insignificant things later. The demands of your job & personal life are starting to feel like too much to juggle even though you’ve always been good at juggling it all. It doesn’t seem like something you can talk about. Everyone thinks you have it all together and besides you feel ashamed. Holding all this in is starting to make you feel lonely. You know life should be different but you’re overwhelmed and you wonder how everyone else seems to do it so easily.
You make it through the day to day but inside you’re fearful, anxious or depressed. You’re bottling things up and lashing out at seemingly insignificant things later. The demands of your job & personal life are starting to feel like too much to juggle even though you’ve always been good at juggling it all. It doesn’t seem like something you can talk about. Everyone thinks you have it all together and besides you feel ashamed. Holding all this in is starting to make you feel lonely. You know life should be different but you’re overwhelmed and you wonder how everyone else seems to do it so easily.
(323) 443-1806 View (323) 443-1806
Photo of Dr. Supatra Tovar, Psychologist in 91101, CA
Dr. Supatra Tovar
Psychologist, PsyD, RD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101  (Online Only)
Struggling with eating and body image issues, depression and anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and problems with your relationships can be overwhelming. However, these issues do not need to be faced alone. Working together with a collaborative, compassionate, and empathetic therapist can help you achieve the life you want, the relationships you desire, and optimum physical and mental health. My ideal client is engaged in his or her healthcare, eager to learn and transform, and someone who desires change within a therapeutic, compassionate environment.
Struggling with eating and body image issues, depression and anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and problems with your relationships can be overwhelming. However, these issues do not need to be faced alone. Working together with a collaborative, compassionate, and empathetic therapist can help you achieve the life you want, the relationships you desire, and optimum physical and mental health. My ideal client is engaged in his or her healthcare, eager to learn and transform, and someone who desires change within a therapeutic, compassionate environment.
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Photo of Corey Hooper, Marriage & Family Therapist in 91101, CA
Corey Hooper
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91101
As a psychotherapist and Jungian analyst, I will help you tap inner resources to better understand & deal with life challenges. We will explore who the 'you' is under anxiety, depression, fears, difficult relationships, and low self-esteem. As a Marriage and Family Therapist and analyst, I am flexible in providing the type of treatment best suited for each client, whether it is supportive when navigating difficult life transitions or analytic when exploring the inner dynamics of psyche and Self. During our work together we can explore how dreams, art, journaling, sandtray, & creative imagination play an active part in healing.
As a psychotherapist and Jungian analyst, I will help you tap inner resources to better understand & deal with life challenges. We will explore who the 'you' is under anxiety, depression, fears, difficult relationships, and low self-esteem. As a Marriage and Family Therapist and analyst, I am flexible in providing the type of treatment best suited for each client, whether it is supportive when navigating difficult life transitions or analytic when exploring the inner dynamics of psyche and Self. During our work together we can explore how dreams, art, journaling, sandtray, & creative imagination play an active part in healing.
(424) 321-6493 View (424) 321-6493
Photo of Jessica Pacheco, Marriage & Family Therapist in 91101, CA
Jessica Pacheco
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91101  (Online Only)
You may feel broken, different, and struggle to make all the "pieces" fit together. Perhaps that is further complicated because you are a survivor of trauma, or struggling with immense grief, and find it difficult to maintain healthy relationships or feel balanced. We cannot go back in time, but we have this sacred moment, and I want to help you grasp it and make it genuine. I want to help you find choice, autonomy and radical compassion in who you are. If you are partnered, I want to help you develop skills to nourish growth in your partnership(s)
You may feel broken, different, and struggle to make all the "pieces" fit together. Perhaps that is further complicated because you are a survivor of trauma, or struggling with immense grief, and find it difficult to maintain healthy relationships or feel balanced. We cannot go back in time, but we have this sacred moment, and I want to help you grasp it and make it genuine. I want to help you find choice, autonomy and radical compassion in who you are. If you are partnered, I want to help you develop skills to nourish growth in your partnership(s)
(626) 714-2980 View (626) 714-2980
Photo of Grace Willen, Marriage & Family Therapist in 91101, CA
Grace Willen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
Do you have a hard time saying no? Feel emotionally drained, insecure, or stuck in people-pleasing? Does conflict feel uncomfortable or scary? Do you fall into patterns in relationships, friendships, or career and wish you could break the cycle? Sometimes, it isn't obvious why we do the things we do, but we can sense we're not our most authentic or successful self. And even when we know the cause of our distress, changing our behavior can still be hard. That's where I come in. My job is to listen without judgment, pressure, or bias and help you examine the root causes of your challenges to create the change you want in your life.
Do you have a hard time saying no? Feel emotionally drained, insecure, or stuck in people-pleasing? Does conflict feel uncomfortable or scary? Do you fall into patterns in relationships, friendships, or career and wish you could break the cycle? Sometimes, it isn't obvious why we do the things we do, but we can sense we're not our most authentic or successful self. And even when we know the cause of our distress, changing our behavior can still be hard. That's where I come in. My job is to listen without judgment, pressure, or bias and help you examine the root causes of your challenges to create the change you want in your life.
(626) 600-0793 View (626) 600-0793
Photo of Emmada Psychology Center, Psychologist in 91101, CA
Emmada Psychology Center
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91101
Looking for the "right" therapist? Emmada's therapists are here to help. We specialize in helping clients understand themselves and navigate their lives in light of the cultural complexities that influence their experience. We offer an interpersonal approach to the whole person that addresses the emotional and relational challenges that hamper your vitality and ability to thrive.
Looking for the "right" therapist? Emmada's therapists are here to help. We specialize in helping clients understand themselves and navigate their lives in light of the cultural complexities that influence their experience. We offer an interpersonal approach to the whole person that addresses the emotional and relational challenges that hamper your vitality and ability to thrive.
(626) 243-2886 x105 View (626) 243-2886 x105
Photo of Britta Leffler, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 91101, CA
Britta Leffler
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91101
Hi! My name is Britta and I am an AMFT based in Los Angeles, California. I have been working with adult individuals, couples, and families since 2020, and I aim to support radical healing and integration. My background includes working as a clinician in community mental health settings as well as in private practice settings, offering individual, family, and group therapy. My unique approach to therapy is rooted in both psychodynamic and somatic modalities, weaving various styles together to enable clients to fully identify and move through unresolved trauma in order to experience authentic healing and sustainable change.
Hi! My name is Britta and I am an AMFT based in Los Angeles, California. I have been working with adult individuals, couples, and families since 2020, and I aim to support radical healing and integration. My background includes working as a clinician in community mental health settings as well as in private practice settings, offering individual, family, and group therapy. My unique approach to therapy is rooted in both psychodynamic and somatic modalities, weaving various styles together to enable clients to fully identify and move through unresolved trauma in order to experience authentic healing and sustainable change.
(818) 862-3801 View (818) 862-3801
Photo of Georgina Mendoza Gutierrez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 91101, CA
Georgina Mendoza Gutierrez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91101
We all have the capacity for healing through self-discovery, self-awareness, and community building. I guide clients on a journey to authenticity in creative works and expression, fostering relationships with their "parts" and others, and exploring compassion and empathy for parts that are out of alignment with "self energy." With a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach, I create a safe, collaborative space to explore the inner self. As a warm, intuitive therapist, I'm here to witness your transformative journey.
We all have the capacity for healing through self-discovery, self-awareness, and community building. I guide clients on a journey to authenticity in creative works and expression, fostering relationships with their "parts" and others, and exploring compassion and empathy for parts that are out of alignment with "self energy." With a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach, I create a safe, collaborative space to explore the inner self. As a warm, intuitive therapist, I'm here to witness your transformative journey.
(323) 784-0987 View (323) 784-0987
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.