Chronic Pain Therapists in Uptown, Chicago, IL
Cindy Recinos
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Uptown, Chicago, IL 60640 (Online Only)
I'm a multicultural, LGBTQIA+ affirming, sex-positive therapist. I have worked with clients to address issues of desire discrepancy, lack of emotional and physical intimacy, difficulties with orgasm, erectile dysfunction, anxiety, mood dysregulation, substance use disorder, chronic pain, somatic symptoms, and trauma-related disorders.
I'm a multicultural, LGBTQIA+ affirming, sex-positive therapist. I have worked with clients to address issues of desire discrepancy, lack of emotional and physical intimacy, difficulties with orgasm, erectile dysfunction, anxiety, mood dysregulation, substance use disorder, chronic pain, somatic symptoms, and trauma-related disorders.
Nitaya Chawla
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Uptown, Chicago, IL 60613 (Online Only)
I have found hypnosis to be an effective tool for a variety of issues including; chronic and acute pain, weight management, smoking cession, stress, sleep issues, anxiety, and panic attacks.
Change is never easy,but with the assistance of a therapist, you can start to learn skills to move towards your goals. Some of these skills include effective communication, mindfulness, relaxation, and changing negative thought patterns. In my work with couples, I focus on teaching communication skills and understanding underlying issues that effect the relationship.
I have found hypnosis to be an effective tool for a variety of issues including; chronic and acute pain, weight management, smoking cession, stress, sleep issues, anxiety, and panic attacks.
Change is never easy,but with the assistance of a therapist, you can start to learn skills to move towards your goals. Some of these skills include effective communication, mindfulness, relaxation, and changing negative thought patterns. In my work with couples, I focus on teaching communication skills and understanding underlying issues that effect the relationship.
A behavioral approach is well suited to clients with chronic medical conditions, such as pain, headaches, diabetes, heart failure, and cancer, as well as episodic problems, such as insomnia.
As a health psychologist, I work with clients who have physical and emotional conditions that are getting in the way of being able to live the lives they want. I help clients identify and follow through on changes they can make to improve their well-being. I use a behavioral approach supplemented with biofeedback and hypnosis. I also work with couples who are struggling to find ways to get closer together and feel like they are truly partners in their relationship. The key to my approach is to find effective ways to get what you want from your life.
A behavioral approach is well suited to clients with chronic medical conditions, such as pain, headaches, diabetes, heart failure, and cancer, as well as episodic problems, such as insomnia.
As a health psychologist, I work with clients who have physical and emotional conditions that are getting in the way of being able to live the lives they want. I help clients identify and follow through on changes they can make to improve their well-being. I use a behavioral approach supplemented with biofeedback and hypnosis. I also work with couples who are struggling to find ways to get closer together and feel like they are truly partners in their relationship. The key to my approach is to find effective ways to get what you want from your life.
Sydney Rinehart
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Uptown, Chicago, IL 60640
As a trauma and couples therapist, I work with survivors of sexual and interpersonal violence and those impacted by traumatic generational cycles or systemic oppression. Depression, anxiety, issues with focus and attention, rumination, chronic pain, identity crisis, and relationship issues act as alarms that tell us things need to change. Seeking therapy can be an empowering first step in reclaiming trust in yourself, your body, and your relationships. In couples therapy, we will work on communication, rebuilding intimacy and sexuality, and creating security and stability while ditching social scripts that don't serve you anymore.
As a trauma and couples therapist, I work with survivors of sexual and interpersonal violence and those impacted by traumatic generational cycles or systemic oppression. Depression, anxiety, issues with focus and attention, rumination, chronic pain, identity crisis, and relationship issues act as alarms that tell us things need to change. Seeking therapy can be an empowering first step in reclaiming trust in yourself, your body, and your relationships. In couples therapy, we will work on communication, rebuilding intimacy and sexuality, and creating security and stability while ditching social scripts that don't serve you anymore.
Hillary Dvorak
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Uptown, Chicago, IL 60640 (Online Only)
I understand how difficult it is to go throughout your day having to hide the pain.
I am a firm believer that people are extremely resilient and it is a strength to ask for help! My background is in child welfare where I have witnessed individuals, families and children overcome severe trauma. As a clinician, I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where we work as a team to face any and all barriers within your life. Because you are your biggest catalyst for change, we work together to create a treatment focus centered around your personal mental health goals.
I understand how difficult it is to go throughout your day having to hide the pain.
I am a firm believer that people are extremely resilient and it is a strength to ask for help! My background is in child welfare where I have witnessed individuals, families and children overcome severe trauma. As a clinician, I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where we work as a team to face any and all barriers within your life. Because you are your biggest catalyst for change, we work together to create a treatment focus centered around your personal mental health goals.
I'm a big fan of being human and in my office, I try to empower you to embrace all the messy yet beautiful emotions and experiences that come with being human. Many of life's events such as the diagnosis of a chronic illness, divorce, work or school issues, relationship issues, and life transitions can feel overwhelming with a roller-coaster of emotions. I can offer you a safe, engaging, and non-judgmental space to help you through all the challenges that life brings. I specialize in working with individuals (adolescents ages 5+, young adults, adults) to better manage daily stressors and any expected & unexpected life transitions.
I'm a big fan of being human and in my office, I try to empower you to embrace all the messy yet beautiful emotions and experiences that come with being human. Many of life's events such as the diagnosis of a chronic illness, divorce, work or school issues, relationship issues, and life transitions can feel overwhelming with a roller-coaster of emotions. I can offer you a safe, engaging, and non-judgmental space to help you through all the challenges that life brings. I specialize in working with individuals (adolescents ages 5+, young adults, adults) to better manage daily stressors and any expected & unexpected life transitions.
We often seek therapy because ways we’ve learned to navigate the world aren’t working the way they used to or the way we’d like them to. Sometimes these strategies cause us pain and sometimes they cause pain to others. Our work involves uncovering strategies we’ve learned to survive in the world and understanding where they come from. Once we understand their origin and function, we can develop awareness of when they arise in the present and make choices to navigate differently.
We often seek therapy because ways we’ve learned to navigate the world aren’t working the way they used to or the way we’d like them to. Sometimes these strategies cause us pain and sometimes they cause pain to others. Our work involves uncovering strategies we’ve learned to survive in the world and understanding where they come from. Once we understand their origin and function, we can develop awareness of when they arise in the present and make choices to navigate differently.
Victor Lamarr Jones
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Uptown, Chicago, IL 60640 (Online Only)
I have worked in a variety of interdisciplinary settings, addressing concerns related to depression, anxiety, chronic illness, sleep, and interpersonal/relationship distress.
I have a passion for helping individuals and couples navigate a range of behavioral, emotional, physical, and spiritual concerns. My experiences have not only provided me with an in-depth knowledge of psychological theories and evidence-based interventions, but also an intimate understanding that healing and growth through psychotherapy cannot take place without a strong acceptance, appreciation, and integration of the unique strengths, needs, and identities of those with whom I work. My responsibility as your therapist is to walk alongside you in a collaborative manner that will help facilitate the change and healing you desire.
I have worked in a variety of interdisciplinary settings, addressing concerns related to depression, anxiety, chronic illness, sleep, and interpersonal/relationship distress.
I have a passion for helping individuals and couples navigate a range of behavioral, emotional, physical, and spiritual concerns. My experiences have not only provided me with an in-depth knowledge of psychological theories and evidence-based interventions, but also an intimate understanding that healing and growth through psychotherapy cannot take place without a strong acceptance, appreciation, and integration of the unique strengths, needs, and identities of those with whom I work. My responsibility as your therapist is to walk alongside you in a collaborative manner that will help facilitate the change and healing you desire.
Jacqueline Patterson
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Uptown, Chicago, IL 60640
You are deserving of care and support as you navigate the ups and downs in life. As a therapist, I provide a compassionate, non-judgemental space for clients to work through difficult emotions and experiences while feeling safe, seen, and supported. My goal is for clients to feel a sense of ease when they enter sessions and a sense of understanding and hope when they leave. I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating a range of concerns, including trauma, grief, difficult relationships, chronic illness, disability, neurodivergence, immigration, sexuality, stress, anxiety, and depression.
You are deserving of care and support as you navigate the ups and downs in life. As a therapist, I provide a compassionate, non-judgemental space for clients to work through difficult emotions and experiences while feeling safe, seen, and supported. My goal is for clients to feel a sense of ease when they enter sessions and a sense of understanding and hope when they leave. I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating a range of concerns, including trauma, grief, difficult relationships, chronic illness, disability, neurodivergence, immigration, sexuality, stress, anxiety, and depression.
Karla K Ivankovich
Counselor, PhD, LCPC, NCC, BC-TMH, ACS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Uptown, Chicago, IL 60640
Over the past 20 years, I have practiced in a number of treatment settings as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, board certified in traditional clinical mental health and online telehealth counseling services, in Chicago and surrounding areas. I have a PhD in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Human Development Counseling. I trained at the University of Illinois Springfield and North Central University and recently published a book. I work with all types of clients, from those with minor concerns to major mental illness. Whatever your concerns are, let's establish a plan and work toward your goals!
Over the past 20 years, I have practiced in a number of treatment settings as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, board certified in traditional clinical mental health and online telehealth counseling services, in Chicago and surrounding areas. I have a PhD in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Human Development Counseling. I trained at the University of Illinois Springfield and North Central University and recently published a book. I work with all types of clients, from those with minor concerns to major mental illness. Whatever your concerns are, let's establish a plan and work toward your goals!
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, specializing in client-centered, relational approaches to mental health and healing. I earned my Masters in Social Work from the University of Michigan, and hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Fort Lewis College. Prior to joining Catalyst Clinical Group, I worked in a variety of hospital and healthcare settings, focusing on clients living with chronic illness. I utilize an eclectic, integrative approach to therapy, centering the needs and goals of each client. I have specific training and experience working with individuals who identify as part of LGBTQIA+ community.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, specializing in client-centered, relational approaches to mental health and healing. I earned my Masters in Social Work from the University of Michigan, and hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Fort Lewis College. Prior to joining Catalyst Clinical Group, I worked in a variety of hospital and healthcare settings, focusing on clients living with chronic illness. I utilize an eclectic, integrative approach to therapy, centering the needs and goals of each client. I have specific training and experience working with individuals who identify as part of LGBTQIA+ community.
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Sue Elizabeth Cook
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, MS, LAC, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Uptown, Chicago, IL 60640 (Online Only)
I currently specialize in supporting neurodivergent queer emerging adults as they navigate the anxieties and stressors of late stage capitalism. I particularly enjoy working with late-identified/diagnosed autistic adults or self-identified autistic emerging adults. I also work with trauma survivors, people with chronic illnesses and pain, and LGBTQ2IA emerging adults. I am sex/kink/polyamory-positive, body-neutral, and sex-worker affirming. I strive to acknowledge and to combat the systemic impact of White supremacy, including its relationship to fatphobia, transphobia, and ableism.
I currently specialize in supporting neurodivergent queer emerging adults as they navigate the anxieties and stressors of late stage capitalism. I particularly enjoy working with late-identified/diagnosed autistic adults or self-identified autistic emerging adults. I also work with trauma survivors, people with chronic illnesses and pain, and LGBTQ2IA emerging adults. I am sex/kink/polyamory-positive, body-neutral, and sex-worker affirming. I strive to acknowledge and to combat the systemic impact of White supremacy, including its relationship to fatphobia, transphobia, and ableism.
Ileana Ungureanu
Marriage & Family Therapist, MD, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Uptown, Chicago, IL 60640 (Online Only)
From that 'life', I bring with me an interest in working with issues related to physical illness.
I am passionate in working with relational issues, either when helping individuals or couples and families. I believe that our relationships have an essential impact on our well-being. I am yet to hear a client or a friend or a family member talk about distress that is not somehow associated to a relational issue... Aren't we all longing to belong and to find safety and security in the arms of our loved ones (partners, parents or very dear friends that are like family)? And yet, these are precisely the people that can hurt us the most.
From that 'life', I bring with me an interest in working with issues related to physical illness.
I am passionate in working with relational issues, either when helping individuals or couples and families. I believe that our relationships have an essential impact on our well-being. I am yet to hear a client or a friend or a family member talk about distress that is not somehow associated to a relational issue... Aren't we all longing to belong and to find safety and security in the arms of our loved ones (partners, parents or very dear friends that are like family)? And yet, these are precisely the people that can hurt us the most.
Lisa Schneider
Counselor, LCPC, CYI
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Uptown, Chicago, IL 60640
Waitlist for new clients
Previously the director at a cancer support center, I focus on life-change, illness (cancer and chronic), end-of-life issues & grief.
I am licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) who has been providing counseling to individuals and families since 2000. My personal intention for working with you, and all of my clients, is to approach therapy from a holistic perspective. A holistic perspective looks at the mind, body, and spirit with the goal of bringing these aspects of self into harmony. My primary goal is to help you foster your own inner strength to create the life you want. You may find that the therapy process cultivates more peace in your life or changes the way you want to live. I am currently focusing on individuals only.
Previously the director at a cancer support center, I focus on life-change, illness (cancer and chronic), end-of-life issues & grief.
I am licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) who has been providing counseling to individuals and families since 2000. My personal intention for working with you, and all of my clients, is to approach therapy from a holistic perspective. A holistic perspective looks at the mind, body, and spirit with the goal of bringing these aspects of self into harmony. My primary goal is to help you foster your own inner strength to create the life you want. You may find that the therapy process cultivates more peace in your life or changes the way you want to live. I am currently focusing on individuals only.
Sex Therapist + Couples Therapist Dr. Jennifer Litner
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MSc, MEd, LMFT, CST
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Uptown, Chicago, IL 60640
I work with couples and individuals coping with anxiety, relationship issues, parenthood challenges, life transitions and sexuality-related concerns. I have extensive clinical experience treating sexual pain/discomfort, loss of intimacy, changes in sexual desire/arousal, and performance anxiety. In therapy, we'll deepen your understanding of your intimate needs, learn ways for you to reconnect and ignite passion with your partner. By developing insight, using curiosity and creativity, we'll create lasting change while ensuring psychological safety is present throughout treatment.
I work with couples and individuals coping with anxiety, relationship issues, parenthood challenges, life transitions and sexuality-related concerns. I have extensive clinical experience treating sexual pain/discomfort, loss of intimacy, changes in sexual desire/arousal, and performance anxiety. In therapy, we'll deepen your understanding of your intimate needs, learn ways for you to reconnect and ignite passion with your partner. By developing insight, using curiosity and creativity, we'll create lasting change while ensuring psychological safety is present throughout treatment.
I work best with clients who are curious about themselves and who are ready to examine what could be better in their lives and relationships. You and I will collaborate to understand your current pain in terms of your past struggles and the protective coping strategies you've utilized to make it this far. We will build compassion for parts of you that may be critical, fearful, ashamed or hopeless, and we will study the relationships you have with these parts, with other people, and with the world while building skills to regulate your nervous system, inhabit your body more fully, and experience joy, connection and pleasure.
I work best with clients who are curious about themselves and who are ready to examine what could be better in their lives and relationships. You and I will collaborate to understand your current pain in terms of your past struggles and the protective coping strategies you've utilized to make it this far. We will build compassion for parts of you that may be critical, fearful, ashamed or hopeless, and we will study the relationships you have with these parts, with other people, and with the world while building skills to regulate your nervous system, inhabit your body more fully, and experience joy, connection and pleasure.
I come from a diverse background from acute mental health settings, to Hospice and chronic illness.
Life transitions can be difficult to navigate alone. There may be grief, confusion, sadness and anger, fear, or any combination of these feelings. There is no circumstance too small in which to seek help from a professional clinician. I believe that my role as a therapist is to help you reach beyond your potential helping you access your own gifts and talents to get you through difficult times and draw meaning from life's challenges. I enjoy working with folks of all ages and incorporating art, music, and writing into the therapy process. I am trained in EMDR and currently in training for Somatic Experience.
I come from a diverse background from acute mental health settings, to Hospice and chronic illness.
Life transitions can be difficult to navigate alone. There may be grief, confusion, sadness and anger, fear, or any combination of these feelings. There is no circumstance too small in which to seek help from a professional clinician. I believe that my role as a therapist is to help you reach beyond your potential helping you access your own gifts and talents to get you through difficult times and draw meaning from life's challenges. I enjoy working with folks of all ages and incorporating art, music, and writing into the therapy process. I am trained in EMDR and currently in training for Somatic Experience.
Avi Vodnoy Wolf
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Uptown, Chicago, IL 60640 (Online Only)
My specialities are working with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and chronic pain.
You want to feel emotions fully without shame. You want to be connected to your own sense of desire and purpose. You deserve a space to explore the parts of you that feel unknown, “unacceptable,” or taboo. My commitment in the therapeutic relationship is to welcome and value all aspects of your experience – the stories that reflect humor and resilience, and the parts that have been shamed or dismissed. I combine EMDR trauma processing, somatic approaches, and discussions about how systems of oppression shape what we believe about ourselves to help clients express emotion and explore new patterns and identities.
My specialities are working with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and chronic pain.
You want to feel emotions fully without shame. You want to be connected to your own sense of desire and purpose. You deserve a space to explore the parts of you that feel unknown, “unacceptable,” or taboo. My commitment in the therapeutic relationship is to welcome and value all aspects of your experience – the stories that reflect humor and resilience, and the parts that have been shamed or dismissed. I combine EMDR trauma processing, somatic approaches, and discussions about how systems of oppression shape what we believe about ourselves to help clients express emotion and explore new patterns and identities.
Jesenia Chavez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Uptown, Chicago, IL 60640 (Online Only)
I am a queer, second-generation immigrant Latine psychotherapist who partners with folks to navigate the demands of a society that is so often limiting and oppressive to us. I'm passionate about working with adults that were parentified as children, grew up in dysfunctional family systems, and BIPOC and queer adults that have historically felt "different." Therapy can be an opportunity to slow down and become curious about what in ourselves might need our attention. As you embark on this journey toward self-awareness, I will collaborate with you to turn toward the parts of yourself that have been disowned or burdened by pain.
I am a queer, second-generation immigrant Latine psychotherapist who partners with folks to navigate the demands of a society that is so often limiting and oppressive to us. I'm passionate about working with adults that were parentified as children, grew up in dysfunctional family systems, and BIPOC and queer adults that have historically felt "different." Therapy can be an opportunity to slow down and become curious about what in ourselves might need our attention. As you embark on this journey toward self-awareness, I will collaborate with you to turn toward the parts of yourself that have been disowned or burdened by pain.
I work with many types of clients, but specialize in working with queer and trans people, couples, and other forms of relationships (triads, polycules, open, polygamous, etc.). I deal primarily with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, grief and loss, transitions, stress management, trauma, sex-related issues and traumas, kink and BDSM, behavioral and substance addictions, and chronic pain and chronic illness. I tend to work with adults. I love working with clients that bring their whole self to therapy as I do too. I always encourage feedback to ensure the therapeutic process feels affirming and healing.
I work with many types of clients, but specialize in working with queer and trans people, couples, and other forms of relationships (triads, polycules, open, polygamous, etc.). I deal primarily with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, grief and loss, transitions, stress management, trauma, sex-related issues and traumas, kink and BDSM, behavioral and substance addictions, and chronic pain and chronic illness. I tend to work with adults. I love working with clients that bring their whole self to therapy as I do too. I always encourage feedback to ensure the therapeutic process feels affirming and healing.
See more therapy options for Uptown, Chicago
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Uptown, Chicago
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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.