Alan Gordon, LCSW

Founder

Alan Gordon is a psychotherapist in Los Angeles, CA, specializing in the treatment of chronic pain and other physical symptoms. He developed Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), a cutting-edge protocol for treating chronic pain, and just completed a large neuroimaging study on the efficacy of PRT in conjunction with the University of Colorado Boulder. Alan was featured on CBS’s The Doctors, where he conducted the first fMRI case study of a patient eliminating chronic pain. He is an adjunct assistant professor at USC and has presented on the topic of pain treatment at conferences and trainings throughout the country.

Vanessa Blackstone, ASW

Executive Director

She/Her
Vanessa Blackstone is the Executive Director of the Pain Psychology Center and a clinical trainer/consultant at the Pain Reprocessing Therapy Center. She is a direct, transparent therapist, specializing in mindfulness-based approaches. She integrates cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic therapies with a solution-focused, strengths-based approach. Vanessa upholds a sophisticated set of interpersonal skills allowing her to connect with others and create a safe, supportive, and empowering environment. Following her own personal recovery with chronic pain, Vanessa understands the importance of meeting the unique needs of each patient. She also has a background in treating substance-use disorders, sex therapy, couples therapy, and works as an on set wellness professional.

Giovanna Carbajal, LCSW

Associate Director / Intake Coordinator III

She/Her
Giovanna is a licensed psychotherapist and the Associate Director at the Pain Psychology Center. She graduated with her Master’s from the University of Southern California. Giovanna specializes in treating chronic pain and is certified in Pain Reprocessing Therapy. In addition, she has experience treating individuals with anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. Giovanna’s personal healing and recovery from chronic pain have helped her connect with her clients to understand the obstacles one can encounter. She integrates mindfulness, self-compassion, and a strengths-focused approach. Giovanna believes an essential part of healing is creating a warm and inclusive therapeutic space. Therefore, she recognizes everyone’s journey is unique and strives to build safety by implementing self-empowerment, patience, and bringing lightness toward one’s healing.

SHERRY DEL CAMPO, LCSW

Clinical Director / Clinical Supervisor

She/Her
Sherry del Campo is a licensed psychotherapist and the Clinical Director at the Pain Psychology Center. Sherry is certified in Pain Reprocessing Therapy; she specializes in the treatment of chronic pain, various mind-body symptoms, and has extensive experience working with clients who have been diagnosed with anxiety and depression. In 2014, Sherry had spinal fusion surgery after fracturing four vertebrae and five ribs in a backpacking accident. Since then, she has conquered chronic back pain using PRT. Sherry approaches pain reduction from a holistic perspective in order to empower her clients. Sherry emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and draws from each clients’ unique strengths to heal both their minds and their bodies.

JOHN GASIENICA, LCSW

Director of Clinical Research & Development

He/Him
John Gasienica (he/him) is a licensed psychotherapist and the Director of Clinical Development at the Pain Psychology Center. Drawing from his personal journey of overcoming chronic pain, John employs contemporary methodologies with a lighthearted approach to assist clients with pain, anxiety, and depression. He serves as a clinical trainer at the Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) Center and conducts research utilizing PRT with the University of Colorado and US Department of Veterans Affairs. John earned his master’s degree from the University of Southern California.

Isabella Amatuzzo, PT

She/Her
Isabella Amatuzzo is a physical therapist, Pilates instructor, and pain reprocessing coach. Having worked in a traditional physical therapy setting treating clients with chronic symptoms using physical interventions alone, she realized that this was not bringing any lasting relief. She was also no stranger to neuroplastic pain, and through searching for different approaches to address chronic conditions, she discovered real solutions arising out of understanding evidenced-based pain neuroscience and pain reprocessing work. She now works with clients with the whole gamut of neuroplastic symptoms providing a safe and compassionate environment to explore the unique set of beliefs and circumstances that contribute to their symptoms. Certified in PRT, she uses a variety of tools and imparts valuable skills that contribute to recovery.

Christine Archer, LMFT, LPCC

She/Her
Christine is certified in Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and supports clients in navigating chronic pain, anxiety and other mind-body symptoms. Christine’s approach aims to help clients understand the science behind their symptoms and learn the art of tending to their bodies and emotions. In addition to PRT, Christine’s work is informed by Internal Family Systems and incorporates mindfulness-based practices and breathwork techniques that draw from her training as a yoga teacher. She has also navigated her own experiences with chronic pain and brings a direct, warm and caring style to her work with clients.

SARAH AGNEW, ASW

She/Her
Sarah Agnew has dedicated her entire professional career to exploring the mind-body connection. She has a unique understanding of reprocessing sensations as she has overcome her own neuroplastic pain, subsequently helping many break free from a wide range of symptoms including migraines, GI issues, back pain, widespread pain, vertigo, pelvic floor pain, neuropathy, and more. Sarah sees the therapeutic process as a partnership where the client and clinician work together to create safety and well-being to reach their healing goals. Her commitment to holistic healing uses a client-centered, trauma-informed approach by incorporating cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, neuroscience, humanistic, somatic, and mindfulness techniques into Pain Reprocessing Therapy. Sarah assists clients to soothe their nervous system with patience, empathy, awareness, and authenticity. She is certified in Pain Reprocessing Therapy and has extensive experience working with depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Originally from Seattle, Washington, Sarah lives in Los Angeles and earned her master’s degree from the University of Southern California. She is LBGTQIA+ affirmative and sex-positive.

Mike Averill, LCSW

Mike Averill is a psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, CA and Portland, OR. Mike is certified in Pain Reprocessing Therapy and is a clinical trainer and group lead with the Pain Reprocessing Therapy Center. Additionally, as a certified meditation and yoga instructor for over a decade, Mike incorporates these practices into much of his therapeutic and coaching work. Beyond physical symptoms, Mike uses somatic and parts approaches to effectively work with anxiety, trauma, and OCD. He also weaves in tools to build self-compassion, resilience, and less rigid ways of thinking and being. Mike received his master’s degree from University of Southern California and is also trained in psychedelic preparation and integration through Oregon’s measure 109.

Anna Barnett, LMFT

She/Her
Anna Barnett is certified in Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and specializes in treating anxiety and chronic pain. Alongside PRT, Anna integrates mindfulness-based, existential, and solution-focused models in her approach to treatment. She has a personal history of obtaining freedom from chronic headaches using the tools she employs with her clients. Anna previously developed an intensive outpatient program to support rapid recovery from anxiety, depression, and trauma through mindfulness and is trained in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. She also has a background working with clients with cancer and their support systems. Anna is a certified yoga and Acro Yoga teacher.

Bianca (Berzner) Lenga, LMFT

She/Her
Bianca (Berzner) Lenga has her master’s in clinical psychology and works with clients of all cultural backgrounds and sexual orientations who have chronic pain. With extensive training in and personal experience with the mind-body connection, Bianca shares empathy, curiosity, humor, and her light-hearted nature. Holistically, she fosters healing and collaborates with clients to build safety and hope. Bianca incorporates pain reprocessing therapy, mindfulness-based, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic models into treatment with a strengths-based lens. She enjoys journeying with her clients on their paths toward self-awareness, self-compassion, and joy by providing them liberating and life-changing tools.

Michelle Avril Bush, MA

Michelle Avril Bush has over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, working in therapy, assessment, supervision, research, and teaching. Michelle uses an evidence and strengths-based integrative approach, focusing on client education, gaining insight, resiliency development, and interpersonal work. Michelle comes to the Pain Psychology Center with extensive experience in issues relating to depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, loss, addiction, adjustment disorders, and behavioral problems.

MELANY COHEN, LMFT, CHT, JD

Clinical Supervisor

She/Her
Melany Cohen is a psychotherapist and certified hypnotherapist, specializing in the treatment of chronic pain. Her own positive experience with overcoming years of debilitating pain inspired her to make a life-transforming decision. She gave up her law career so that she could pursue her true passion to become a healer and motivator. She incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, guided imagery and mindfulness-based stress reduction to support patients in their recovery process.

Yesenia Contreras, MPH

She/Her
Yesenia Contreras is a certified pain recovery coach based in Sacramento, CA. Through her own personal recovery journey from chronic pain, Yesenia found her passion of empowering individuals with chronic pain to transform their lives with Pain Reprocessing Coaching. She recognizes and accepts every person’s internal experience as valid. She offers clarity, direction, and positive support to help clients learn and implement skills to overcome chronic symptoms.

DANIELLA DEUTSCH, LCSW

Daniella received a master’s in social work from the University of Southern California. Daniella individualizes her treatment approach to meet the needs of each patient. She encourages her patients to relate to themselves with self-compassion while using evidences-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy to achieve pain reduction and mind and body wellness.

MERCEDES ELKOFF, LMFT

She/Her
Mercedes “Sadie” Elkoff received a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from USC and approaches her work with clients from an integrative perspective, seeking to tailor treatment to the individual, with an emphasis on the therapeutic relationship as a source of healing and repair for emotional wounds. Sadie has experience working with many forms of trauma, depression, anxiety and addiction. She pulls from attachment and psychodynamic principles and filters them through a systemic framework, helping clients connect with their purpose and authentic self. Sadie integrates Pain Reprocessing Therapy, Mindfulness, DBT, CBT and Narrative therapy to best support her clients journeys of healing.

Suzy Feuer

She/Her
Suzy Feuer is a pain recovery coach based in Mallorca, Spain. Previously a translator and content writer, Suzy’s personal journey of healing from chronic pain using mind-body techniques led her to change career paths and become a chronic pain coach. She is a CCA Certified Wellness Coach with certifications in PRT and Neuroscience and Mindfulness, and additional courses in Polyvagal Theory. Relaxed, upbeat and compassionate, Suzy feels honored to support others on their pain recovery journeys and offers an individualized approach that emphasizes self-compassion and empowerment. Suzy was born and raised in Southern California and has been living in Spain for the past 29 years. She can provide support in English, Spanish and Catalan.

Denise Freeman, DPM, MSE

She/Her
Denise Freeman trained and practiced as a podiatric physician and surgeon. She also taught podiatric medicine in a medical college as a full professor and then as an Associate Dean of the medical school. A special interest of hers was in the study and treatment of chronic pain. Now in retirement from podiatric medicine, she serves as a coach of Pain Reprocessing Therapy. Denise herself has dealt with her own chronic pain which has given her a deep insight into the phenomenon of pain itself.

CARLA GARCIA, ASW

She/Her
Carla is a skilled chronic pain therapist specializing in Pain Reprocessing Therapy, based in Los Angeles, CA. With a deep understanding of the complexities of chronic pain, Carla brings a unique blend of empathy, expertise, and personal experience to her practice. Certified in Pain Reprocessing Therapy and drawing from her own journey of overcoming chronic pain, she offers a holistic approach to healing, integrating various modalities such as Gestalt, CBT, and mindfulness-based strategies. Through compassionate and effective care, Carla guides clients towards recovery, addressing the physical, mental and emotional aspects of chronic pain. Holding a Master’s degree in Social Work from USC, Carla is dedicated to providing personalized care and empowering her clients to reclaim their lives from chronic pain.

BRANDON GESCHEIDLE, LMFT

He/Him
Brandon Gescheidle (He/Him/His) is a psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, CA who specializes in the treatment of chronic pain. He uses an integrative model of cognitive-behavioral, family systems, and narrative therapy and works from an LGBTQ+-affirmative, trauma-informed lens. Brandon understands that each patient’s relationship with pain is unique, and their treatment must be tailored to fit their individual needs and lived experience. His work aims to help patients understand their pain, increase self-compassion, and utilize Pain Reprocessing Therapy to reprogram the brain’s relationship to pain. Brandon received his master’s degree from the University of Southern California.

Jocelyn Gutzman, PHD

She/Her
Dr. Gutzman has over 12 years of experience in the mental health field doing therapy, assessments, teaching and research. She is an adjunct professor at the Graduate School of Education and Psychology at Pepperdine University. She utilizes a holistic approach to treat clients with chronic pain that incorporates pain reprocessing therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology, neuroscience and mindfulness. She works with clients to find their resilient potential within, while integrating the healing power of the mind-body connection. She offers a warm and inclusive environment for all people on their journey towards mental well-being and flourishing.

AASIYAH HILL, LCSW

She/Her
Aasiyah Hill is a psychotherapist based in Los Angeles who received her master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California. She has experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma and transitional stages of life. She utilizes pain reprocessing therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients understand their pain, increase self-awareness, and achieve their individualized treatment goals. She is LGBTQIA+ affirmative, sex positive, and aims to facilitate safe spaces for clients to feel empowered.

Jessie HOFFER, ASW

She/Her
Jessie Hoffer is a psychotherapist who earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. Her educational background in social work, the study of human movement, and her experience working in physical therapy and sex therapy inspired her passion for mind-body psychotherapy. Jessie aims to guide her clients toward confidence, self-compassion, and joy. Her approach focuses on helping clients build tools to better manage chronic pain and emotional stress, release tension stored in the body from negative life experiences, and empower clients to identify, create, and value their strengths.

ESTI JUNGREIS, LMSW

She/Her
Esti is a psychotherapist based in New York and received her master’s degree from Columbia University School of Social Work. Esti works collaboratively with her clients to develop insight and understanding into their life experiences, while empowering them to find their strengths. While chronic pain may bring one to therapy, Esti believes that the skills and clarity that clients develop in treatment will help them move through the world with a sense of ease. Esti utilizes a multi-faceted approach, integrating aspects of cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, mindfulness, and Pain Reprocessing Therapy into her work.

CALLIE KUNZ, MA, MCLC

She/Her
Callie Kunz is a pain recovery coach based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After overcoming 24 years of fibromyalgia symptoms, Callie began working with persistent pain patients. A retired educator, she is passionate about mind-body approaches to chronic conditions and is dedicated to using evidence-based strategies to support others in their recoveries. Callie believes in the body’s remarkable capacity to heal and approaches her work with positivity, honesty, and compassion. She is certified in Pain Reprocessing Therapy and holds a Master Life Coach certification. Callie has experience working with various psychogenic symptoms, including headaches, digestive issues, neck and back pain, and insomnia. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys playing in the snow, creating container gardens, and chasing the northern lights.

Katie Kaufmann, NBC-HWC

She/Her
Katie Kaufmann is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC.) She has studied with Howard Schubiner, is certified in PRT and a SIRPA Practitioner. She is also a member of the Psychophysiologic Disorders Association. Katie recovered from over 20 years of chronic back pain using mind-body and self-compassion techniques and has refocused her career to empower others to do the same. Her compassionate, client-led approach to coaching creates agency and powerful change for her clients. She is an empathetic and playful collaborator who truly believes in her clients’ inner capacity and helps each client discover their own personalized toolbox and path to recovery. In her other life, Katie is a theater artist specializing in devised new work and physical theater.

Arielle Liberman DMD

She/Her
Arielle Liberman is a pain recovery coach dedicated to using her knowledge and personal experience to assist others in finding relief from chronic symptoms. With a background as a practicing dentist for over 20 years, Arielle retired early due to chronic pain, which she ultimately overcame with Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT). She views PRT as a powerful tool in alleviating chronic pain, fatigue, and other mind-body symptoms. Certified in PRT and trained under Howard Schubiner, Arielle enjoys working with clients facing a wide range of neuroplastic symptoms. Her coaching style is characterized by warmth, compassion, and optimism. Outside of her professional pursuits, Arielle finds joy in dancing, hiking, and volunteering with a local senior dog rescue.

MICHELLE MALKOUKIAN, MSW

She/Her
Michelle is a Psychotherapist and Coach based in Los Angeles, California. Michelle received her MSW from UCLA with an emphasis in Health and Mental Health. Having experienced both unrelenting chronic pain and health anxiety first-hand, Michelle utilizes therapy as an opportunity to provide deeper insight into and promote healing around different mind-body symptoms. Michelle combines various evidence-based practices such as ACT, ERP, and IFS with her extensive training in Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT). Her approach aims to alter old beliefs and develop new techniques for pain while simultaneously addressing any anxiety or depression that may underlie such pain. Michelle believes that every individual is entitled to move freely in the world in a way that feels safe both physically and emotionally.

TRACY OVERLY, LCSW

She/Her
Tracy Overly is certified in Pain Reprocessing Therapy. She holds an additional certificate in Somatic Embodiment and Regulation Strategies. Her approach emphasizes client-empowerment, collaboration, and experiential learning. Through her creative integration of somatic tracking, sensory-based mindfulness, and safety-oriented movement techniques, she aims to help her clients master the skills necessary to return to fuller, more positively embodied living. Having had personal experience recovering from neuroplastic pain, Tracy brings a deep sense of empathy and understanding to the challenges that can come with recovery, while encouraging her clients to explore their unique, individual needs. She strives to cultivate a safe, affirming environment that allows her clients to embrace their authenticity and rediscover life beyond pain. In her free time, Tracy enjoys rock climbing, nature hikes with her two rescue dogs, and the pursuit of lifelong learning.

REGINA PEIRCE, LCSW

She/Her
Regina Peirce is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a master’s degree from the University of Houston. Having trained in cognitive behavioral and mindfulness-based therapeutic interventions, her years-long journey with chronic foot pain led her to subsequently receive her certification in Pain Reprocessing Therapy. She now specializes in mind-body approaches to neuroplastic pain and is passionate about accompanying her clients on their own recovery journeys. Regina has experience treating a variety of chronic pain symptoms, as well as anxiety and depression. She enjoys personalizing her approach, integrating research on topics such as self-compassion, attachment theory, parenting, and social issues. She has worked with adults in all stages of life, parents, couples, and the military community.

Jill Pratt

She/Her
Jill Pratt is a mind-body and life coach who helps clients recover from chronic neuroplastic symptoms. She also supports women facing brain-induced symptoms related to motherhood and professionals in global social justice fields. Jill’s work is informed by her extensive background in international political advocacy and peacebuilding. She has recovered from chronic, brain-induced symptoms herself and holds certifications in neuroplasticity healing modalities. Jill provides a nurturing and safe coaching container, celebrating each client’s progress toward their transformation goals. She enjoys working with clients from diverse backgrounds and creating a supportive space for healing.

NATASHA ROSOW, LCSW

Natasha Rosow treats chronic pain and related psychophysiological barriers to wellness using a combination of psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction. She tailors treatment to each individual’s unique needs and emphasizes self-compassion as essential to healing and personal growth. Natasha’s approach is trauma-informed, and she has specialized training in working with survivors of interpersonal violence and abusive relationships.

GINA SAFOYAN NERCISIAN, LCSW

She/Her
Gina is a psychotherapist based in Los Angeles and received a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California. She integrates psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral techniques to help clients cultivate a sense of self-compassion in their unique journey to treating chronic pain. Gina has experience working with anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, and trauma in adults and adolescents. She strives to provide a safe and empathetic space for clients to grow and heal.

JACKIE SARNECKY, AMFT, APCC

Jackie is a psychotherapist with a personal healing journey from lupus, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue. She incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy with somatic, attachment, and trauma-informed expressive arts therapies. She is trained in Internal Family Systems and values using IFS in the process of understanding and unburdening areas of pain. She has a faith-based background that includes deconstructing spiritual abuse. Jackie’s clinical experience is with domestic violence, betrayal-trauma, divorce, teens, anxiety, and depression. Jackie empowers clients to break negative cycles and experience a life with more freedom.

SADIE SCHLOSSER, LCSW

Sadie Schlosser received her master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Southern California and specializes in the treatment of chronic pain and eating disorders. Sadie tailors her treatment approach to meet the specific needs of each individual client, while incorporating her certification in Pain Reprocessing Therapy, integrating Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based techniques to help clients alleviate pain symptoms, while maximizing the mind-body connection. Sadie practices through a trauma-informed lens and focuses on each client’s unique strengths to foster a deep sense of inner healing. She deeply values creating a collaborative therapeutic relationship that allows each client to cultivate a sense of safety and authentic self-compassion, while drawing on her own recovery experience to provide a genuine connection to each individual’s experience.

Rob Scott

He/Him
Rob Scott is a pain coach based in Los Angeles, CA. His journey into pain coaching began while navigating his own healing journey, overcoming a liver transplant in 2017 and colorectal cancer in 2020. With a deep passion for helping individuals who have faced significant medical challenges, Rob fosters a safe and inviting environment for his clients. He guides them through exploring their pain with curiosity and security, offering compassion, empathy, and confidence in their ability to heal. Prior to specializing in pain reprocessing coaching, Rob managed a group of anatomical pathology laboratories across California, Arizona, and Texas, bringing a wealth of organizational experience to his current role.

Monica Lia Setti, M.Ed

She/Her
Monica Lia Setti, M.Ed is a certified Pain Reprocessing Therapy coach in Portland, OR. Her personal journey through chronic pain led her to immerse herself in the chronic pain community and become a coach. Formerly an educator, Monica Lia is dedicated to helping others discover their own healing power using evidence-based, compassionate, and safe practices. She enjoys spending time in nature with her two children and dog.

Eleanora Shulman, ASW

She/Her
Having navigated her own journey with mind-body symptoms, Eleanora brings a unique depth of empathy and insight to her practice. Certified in Pain Reprocessing Therapy and with advanced training in pain science, she understands the intricate interplay between mind and body that underpins chronic pain. Drawing upon her formal education, extensive training, and personal experiences, Eleanora blends cognitive and somatic approaches to develop personalized pain reprocessing techniques for each client’s healing journey. Beyond chronic pain, Eleanora specializes in anxiety, mood disorders, and navigating grief. Based in Los Angeles, CA, and holding a master’s degree from the University of Southern California, Eleanora is committed to fostering an environment where healing thrives, guiding her clients toward a path of relief and a life free from the grips of chronic pain.

Jacob Slominski

He/Him
Jacob Slominski is a recovery coach trained in Pain Reprocessing Therapy, Permission to Move, and various somatic and spiritual practices. Drawing on a decade of personal recovery from persistent pain, Jacob helps clients build confidence in their bodies and lives, and supports them as they bring this confidence into the activities and sensations they most fear. He lives with his family in Clermont, NY, and loves exploring local waterways in his kayak.

Paulina Soble, LCSW

She/Her
Paulina Soble earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. After working in private practice and seeing so much success with pain reprocessing techniques, Paulina went on to build the Pain Reprocessing Therapy Center. Paulina draws influence from cognitive, behavioral, and psychodynamic theories to help clients better understand their own mind-body connection and deactivate fear signals in the brain. She encourages clients to approach their pain and subsequent healing not with expectation, but rather through a lens of empowerment. Paulina helps her patients to increase their self-compassion and self-care as essential tools in chronic pain recovery as well as personal growth. Paulina also has extensive experience working with anxiety, OCD, and disordered eating.

Rachel Stutzman

She/Her
Rachel Stutzman is a pain recovery coach specializing in Pain Reprocessing Therapy. After overcoming over 20 years of chronic pain and symptoms—including back pain, neck pain, migraines, IBS, and anxiety—Rachel now guides others on their journey to self-empowered recovery. She provides consistent guidance, empathy, and validation, drawing from her own healing experience. Rachel is passionate about supporting her clients as they navigate their unique paths to healing. In her leisure time, she enjoys exploring small towns, attending live music events, and taking long walks with her dog.

CLAIRE SUMMERS, LCSW

Claire Summers is a psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, CA and received a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California. Claire is certified in Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET). In addition to PRT, Claire’s practice emphasizes experiential, emotional, and cognitive-behavioral techniques to alleviate symptoms and foster a deep understanding of the mind-body connection. Claire has ample experience working with a wide range of chronic pain symptoms and specializes in migraines/headaches, neck pain, anxiety, and depression.

JUMANA TWAL, AMFT

She/Her
Jumana Twal graduated from Pepperdine University with her Master’s in clinical psychology. She integrates cognitive behavioral, family systems, and mindfulness-based strategies to support clients in their healing process. She approaches therapy with a genuine and empathic nature and helps foster a sense of safety in her clients. Jumana provides a supportive and non-judgmental environment to promote self-compassion and empowerment, as well as an understanding of the mind body connection. Jumana works collaboratively with clients to meet their individual goals, eliminate pain symptoms, and live authentically.

ED WALTON, LCSW

MSW Internship Training Program Director / Clinical Supervisor

He/Him
Having battled chronic pain himself, Ed understands the relentless challenges and struggles that come with it. He also knows what it takes to heal. Ed uses his own recovery to show his patients how to do the same for themselves and get their lives back on track. And with over a decade’s worth of experience healing chronic pain, he customizes a specific approach to each person’s individual needs (using Pain Reprocessing Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness techniques) helping them resolve their chronic pain and reclaim the life they want.

DANI WEINSTOCK, LCSW

She/Her
Dani Weinstock is a psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, CA. Having personally experienced and successfully recovered from chronic pain, Dani offers empathy and understanding to her clients. She personalizes treatment for each client, incorporates evidence acquired through her own pain journey, and utilizes a wide variety of therapy modalities, including Pain Reprocessing Therapy, Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy, Mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to eliminate client pain symptoms. Dani has experience working with trauma, anxiety and depression. She is certified in trauma-informed care and has a solution-focused approach. Dani received her master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California.

Nicole “Cole” Wilson, MSW, ASW

She/Her
Cole is based in Los Angeles and received her MSW from the University of Southern California. Cole is passionate & dedicated to rooting her clients in grace and self-compassion for their individual healing journeys.Cole’s approach is grounded in identifying our thought patterns and how our brains process our lived experience. She focuses on the alignment between our mind and body and connects with her clients through an emphasis on co-creating a collaborative, empathetic, & non-judgemental space. With extensive experience in community health and homelessness prevention, Cole has worked on various initiatives addressing inequities in our healthcare system and creating supportive services for individuals experiencing chronic health conditions as a result of systemic barriers.

Medical Advisory Board

The Medical Advisory Board of the Pain Psychology Center is a multi-disciplinary group of physicians who are among the most respected and experienced in their fields. These physicians, elected by our Board of Directors, serve in an advisory capacity to the Pain Psychology Center team.

DAVID SCHECHTER, MD

David Schechter, MD is Board Certified in Sports Medicine and Family Medicine, with a credential in Pain Medicine. He has served on the faculty of the USC School of Medicine since 1990, and has published and presented widely on the topic of musculoskeletal pain. Voted Top Doctor by US News and World Report, Dr. Schechter is a leading physician in the field of psychophysiologic disorders. He currently practices in Beverly Hills and Culver City, California.

DR. HOWARD SCHUBINER, MD

Dr. Howard Schubiner, MD is board certified in pediatrics and internal medicine and is the director of the Mind Body Medicine Center at Providence Hospital in Southfield, MI. He is a Clinical Professor at Wayne State University School of Medicine and has authored over 60 publications in scientific journals and books. Dr. Schubiner has conducted research on psychophysiological disorders and is currently working on a large grant from the National Institutes of Health to study the effects of emotional expression therapy for fibromyalgia.

DAVID D. CLARKE, MD

David D. Clarke, MD is President of the Psychophysiologic Disorders Association, Clinical Assistant Professor of Gastroenterology Emeritus and Assistant Director at the Center for Ethics at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and a Faculty Associate at Arizona State University. He is board-certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine and practiced Gastroenterology in Portland, Oregon from 1984 to 2009. Dr. Clarke frequently lectures on psychophysiologic disorders both nationally and internationally, and he has appeared on over 100 TV and radio broadcasts.