Pain Psychology Center - Beverly Hills, California

Joshua Wells

I can’t recommend the Pain Psychology Center enough! From the first time I reached out, they’ve been so warm and supportive, making me feel like they really understand what I’m going through. Chronic pain can be such an isolating experience, but working with their team has made such a difference.

I feel like I finally have tools that work for me. If you’re dealing with chronic pain, stress, or even just feeling stuck, these guys are amazing.

Aly Maky

It’s hard to put into words the hope I felt after reaching out to the Pain Psychology Center. Chronic pain as many suffers know can be devastating but with the friendly, knowledgeable and attentive team along with all the resources they provide, it has been life changing. They really care about your quality of life. This isn’t just a job this is their passion. I really can’t thank them enough.

Shani Mandel

Alan Gordon is no longer a part of this company. This is per the Executive Director, Vanessa.

I was seen by the therapist named Esti Jungreis. First off, she conducted one of our sessions with her family in the room (or at least there were a bunch of kids yelling the whole time in the background, quite loudly. To the point I was struggling to even focus on my conversation with Esti. I assume it was her family but did not ask who it was).

She also one time had sound start blaring out of her computer randomly, and I suspect that she was multitasking with some unrelated activity while talking to me. She didn’t apologize at all.

To top it all off, she told me that I must do trauma work with her or my pain wont get better. (Which you’ll see later is 100% wrong). She complained about why I would only be willing to do trauma work with my official trauma therapist, but not her. It felt wrong (I knew this is not supposed to be a trauma method), but she assured me repeatedly that she is well trained in doing trauma work, and she’s a THERAPIST, this is her job, so I should just trust her! And that I won’t be able to get any pain reduction if I didn’t do this with her.

So I opened up and tried the trauma work. It went horribly wrong, there was a lot of criticism and confrontation that she was doing during the process, and it ended with me getting so triggered that I told her she needs to get training because this is not how trauma work is supposed to go. She then hung up on me! And refused to see me again after that.

I contacted the company, and spoke to Giovanna on the phone. Goovanna is the assistant Executive Director. Giovanna told me that Esti should never have been trying to do trauma work with me, that it’s not part of the process at all. And that Esti does not have training, or licensure to be doing trauma work!
Turns out, Esti was an LMSW working in New York State, which means she was required to have supervision to be working as a therapist. She cannot operate on her own yet.
She had told me that her supervisors were in California, and so we had to submit the insurance information as ‘mental health coaching’, but that is just for paperwork. She assured me repeatedly that she IS. A therapist, and perfectly qualified to do trauma work with me.
Giovanna told me clearly, no, no one was supervising Esti in California (not that that would allow her to act as a therapist in New York anyway). And even so, there should never have been any trauma work involved in this process at all.

Giovanna then told me that Esti had reported to the company that I was a bad fit for this method. And so Vanessa, the director, decided that I cannot work with any other provider at the company. Giovanna told me, ‘I agree with your side, but my hands are tied’.

Vanessa did reach out to me after this, and let me know that she is willing to talk to me and ‘hear my grievances’, but that she would definitely not be allowing me to see any other therapists at her company. When I asked if Alan could weigh in, she told me that Alan left the company a few years ago, and she is the one running it now.

A year later, Esti is still employed at the company, as you can see on their website.

Vanessa Alvarado

My journey at the Pain Psychology Center was nothing short of remarkable, and ther amazing intake coordinator, Sarah. From the very beginning, Sarah displayed incredible patience and kindness, creating an open and supportive environment that greatly contributed to my healing process. Her guidance was instrumental in tailoring a personalized approach to address my chronic pain symptoms. The Pain Psychology Center offers a top-notch, client-focused experience that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking effective and compassionate pain management solutions. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

blvkstn

Vanessa and her team are pretty incredible. After meeting her at an event and getting to know her and her colleagues, I was excited to finally have a resource for my chronic pain clients. Since referring many clients, they have all reported feeling significantly better and safer in their own bodies. Many have returned back to activities they have missed out on for years. Highly recommend this group!

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Vanessa created an atmosphere where I felt safe and supported. Her ability to connect on a personal level allowed me to open up and address my chronic pain with newfound clarity. Thanks to Vanessa's expertise, I not only felt heard but also experienced a sense of relief I hadn't thought possible. Highly recommend!

Taylor S

Alan Gordon and team have saved my life. His podcast especially! This approach to chronic pain was the only thing that helped, after trying countless other treatments. They aren’t saying the pain isn’t real. I was very hesitant to this approach at first, but in desperation, I kept an open mind and it worked. I have been chronic pain free for almost 2 years! Please give yourself this life changing gift, and if you’re sceptical, check out their podcast and book.

Kamil Lewis

The Pain Psychology Center has a unique and transformative way of addressing and treating chronic pain. Their practice understands the complexity of pain symptoms, and empowers clients to understand their bodies which leads to long-lasting relief. I can't recommend PPC enough!