Chronic Pain Therapists in Cook County, IL
Evanston Counseling, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60201
You’ve been carrying the anxiety and pain for far too long. No one really knows what it's like to be you. It feels utterly lonely. But you are at the point, where you want to find hope again and see if there is a chance that it doesn’t have to be this way. You are navigating relationships with your intimate partner and friends, and experiencing difficult lonely feelings about your life, family, health, and career. Whether you have a relationship or are starting a new one, planning a family or maintaining one, struggling at college, battling chronic pain or IBS, or moving into the empty nest syndrome, there is so much to worry about.
You’ve been carrying the anxiety and pain for far too long. No one really knows what it's like to be you. It feels utterly lonely. But you are at the point, where you want to find hope again and see if there is a chance that it doesn’t have to be this way. You are navigating relationships with your intimate partner and friends, and experiencing difficult lonely feelings about your life, family, health, and career. Whether you have a relationship or are starting a new one, planning a family or maintaining one, struggling at college, battling chronic pain or IBS, or moving into the empty nest syndrome, there is so much to worry about.
I also specialize in health psychology and chronic pain.
I am a graduate from the Illinois School Of Professional Psychology. I completed my training at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago's Center for Pain Management (now known as the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab). I have worked in hospitals, outpatient mental health clinics, and long-term care facilities. As a licensed clinical psychologist, I have extensive experience treating adults and geriatrics with a wide variety of psychological issues. I treat a variety of conditions such as, depression, anxiety, chronic illness, relationship issues, and life adjustment difficulties. I am also on staff at the Amita neuroscience institute.
I also specialize in health psychology and chronic pain.
I am a graduate from the Illinois School Of Professional Psychology. I completed my training at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago's Center for Pain Management (now known as the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab). I have worked in hospitals, outpatient mental health clinics, and long-term care facilities. As a licensed clinical psychologist, I have extensive experience treating adults and geriatrics with a wide variety of psychological issues. I treat a variety of conditions such as, depression, anxiety, chronic illness, relationship issues, and life adjustment difficulties. I am also on staff at the Amita neuroscience institute.
I also have a training specialty in working with individuals adjusting to chronic medical conditions including completion of pre-surgical psychological evaluations for bariatric surgery, spinal cord stimulator, & pain pump placement.
My approach to therapy is holistic and incorporates the connection of the mind, body and emotions. Clients have described me as warm, supportive, non-judgmental and calm. My goal is to help better manage your thoughts, feelings, and to help you feel happier and healthier. I welcome the opportunity to join your journey to healing and recovery.
I also have a training specialty in working with individuals adjusting to chronic medical conditions including completion of pre-surgical psychological evaluations for bariatric surgery, spinal cord stimulator, & pain pump placement.
My approach to therapy is holistic and incorporates the connection of the mind, body and emotions. Clients have described me as warm, supportive, non-judgmental and calm. My goal is to help better manage your thoughts, feelings, and to help you feel happier and healthier. I welcome the opportunity to join your journey to healing and recovery.
Bob Campbell
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Park Ridge, IL 60068
Not accepting new clients
You may be facing one of the biggest challenges of your life--a relationship problem, a serious illness, significant loss, anxiety or depression. I use both brief and long-term methods so that we can make progress quickly and then sustain it. As we work toward a greater understanding and clarity, I will help you to pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and sensations; accompanying you through the fear and sadness, the pain and loneliness. My goal is for you to end up feeling stronger and more capable. Call now or use this secure form: https://www.empathic.com/cp/client/register?clinic=451.
You may be facing one of the biggest challenges of your life--a relationship problem, a serious illness, significant loss, anxiety or depression. I use both brief and long-term methods so that we can make progress quickly and then sustain it. As we work toward a greater understanding and clarity, I will help you to pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and sensations; accompanying you through the fear and sadness, the pain and loneliness. My goal is for you to end up feeling stronger and more capable. Call now or use this secure form: https://www.empathic.com/cp/client/register?clinic=451.
Living with a chronic medical illness can be challenging. Depression, anxiety, fears, loss of identity, and doubt are all common, and physicians are continuing to acknowledge that how we feel mentally affects our physical symptoms. Navigating the medical system, treatments, and socializing can be stressful. We're dedicated to helping children (6-17) and adults navigate life with a chronic illness, with all of the social and emotional parts that may not be addressed in your doctor visits. Our team includes: Tiffany Taft PsyD, Emily Edlynn PhD, Emily Hahn LCSW, Alix Kramer MSW, and Clark Bray MSW.
Living with a chronic medical illness can be challenging. Depression, anxiety, fears, loss of identity, and doubt are all common, and physicians are continuing to acknowledge that how we feel mentally affects our physical symptoms. Navigating the medical system, treatments, and socializing can be stressful. We're dedicated to helping children (6-17) and adults navigate life with a chronic illness, with all of the social and emotional parts that may not be addressed in your doctor visits. Our team includes: Tiffany Taft PsyD, Emily Edlynn PhD, Emily Hahn LCSW, Alix Kramer MSW, and Clark Bray MSW.
Cindy Recinos
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
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.
I provide individual counseling with specializations including trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, pain management, gender identity, sexuality (from a sex-positive, kink-aware perspective), body image, and disability and chronic illness.
As Oscar Wilde once said, "One's real life is so often the life that one does not lead." But, for you, today can be a decisive step down a path of authenticity, interpersonal connection, and greater ease in your body. As a licensed clinical social worker and practicing writer and artist, I am skilled in collaborating with you to first identify and then reimagine the themes, forms and narratives of your past and your everyday. My objective is to help you rediscover your potential and lead a more satisfying, conscious, and generative existence—all while feeling at home somatically.
I provide individual counseling with specializations including trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, pain management, gender identity, sexuality (from a sex-positive, kink-aware perspective), body image, and disability and chronic illness.
As Oscar Wilde once said, "One's real life is so often the life that one does not lead." But, for you, today can be a decisive step down a path of authenticity, interpersonal connection, and greater ease in your body. As a licensed clinical social worker and practicing writer and artist, I am skilled in collaborating with you to first identify and then reimagine the themes, forms and narratives of your past and your everyday. My objective is to help you rediscover your potential and lead a more satisfying, conscious, and generative existence—all while feeling at home somatically.
Kristina Fyrwald
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60602 (Online Only)
I enjoy working with adults facing a wide range of challenges including substance abuse, trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic pain/illness and relationship issues. I enjoy helping clients move through and heal whatever it is that's keeping them stuck and from moving forward in the areas of their life they desire more from (relationships, career, health, purpose). My goal is to help my clients connect to their most authentic self to live their happiest and most connected lives.
I enjoy working with adults facing a wide range of challenges including substance abuse, trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic pain/illness and relationship issues. I enjoy helping clients move through and heal whatever it is that's keeping them stuck and from moving forward in the areas of their life they desire more from (relationships, career, health, purpose). My goal is to help my clients connect to their most authentic self to live their happiest and most connected lives.
Thalia Tikka
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Northbrook, IL 60062 (Online Only)
Therapy can be a radically liberating process, and I believe our personal and inner healing work is part of the larger social justice movements we participate in for our mutual liberation. As a queer person myself, I tend to work with other LGBTQ+ people exploring and expanding their sexualities and gender identities. As someone involved in radical politics, I offer validation and therapeutic solidarity to abolitionists and activists across the spectrum of liberation movements. And as a person with mental illness, I offer a dignified and person-centered approach to caring for our most sensitive personal issues and life challenges.
Therapy can be a radically liberating process, and I believe our personal and inner healing work is part of the larger social justice movements we participate in for our mutual liberation. As a queer person myself, I tend to work with other LGBTQ+ people exploring and expanding their sexualities and gender identities. As someone involved in radical politics, I offer validation and therapeutic solidarity to abolitionists and activists across the spectrum of liberation movements. And as a person with mental illness, I offer a dignified and person-centered approach to caring for our most sensitive personal issues and life challenges.
I work primarily with adults facing chronic, life-limiting, or potentially life-threatening conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or AIDS. I focus on helping clients find successful ways to cope with illness, and to integrate the experience of illness into their life story and world view. This often involves discussions of faith and spirituality. I work with patients where they are, so if there is underlying mental illness or intellectual disability, I may work with it instead of trying to change it, unless, of course, the client wants to change. I feel fortunate to have found this specialty.
I work primarily with adults facing chronic, life-limiting, or potentially life-threatening conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or AIDS. I focus on helping clients find successful ways to cope with illness, and to integrate the experience of illness into their life story and world view. This often involves discussions of faith and spirituality. I work with patients where they are, so if there is underlying mental illness or intellectual disability, I may work with it instead of trying to change it, unless, of course, the client wants to change. I feel fortunate to have found this specialty.
Maira Iqbal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60659 (Online Only)
I am a compassionate trauma-informed therapist that primarily works with individuals struggling with trauma/PTSD, ADHD, neurodivergent issues, relationship issues, chronic pain, physical disability, partner violence, substance abuse, anxiety, stress, depression, cultural identity, cultural/intergenerational conflicts, family conflicts, and other issues. As a daughter of South Asian immigrants, I have always been interested in working with traditionally overlooked communities. I have worked with individuals with dual diagnosis, domestic violence survivors, veterans, and LGBTQIA individuals.
I am a compassionate trauma-informed therapist that primarily works with individuals struggling with trauma/PTSD, ADHD, neurodivergent issues, relationship issues, chronic pain, physical disability, partner violence, substance abuse, anxiety, stress, depression, cultural identity, cultural/intergenerational conflicts, family conflicts, and other issues. As a daughter of South Asian immigrants, I have always been interested in working with traditionally overlooked communities. I have worked with individuals with dual diagnosis, domestic violence survivors, veterans, and LGBTQIA individuals.
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A special area of interest is chronic pain and proactive pain management.
The therapeutic dialogue is a unique collaboration in which exploration and growth can occur while addressing difficult issues around relationships and life. I work with clients to navigate challenges and explore the parts of themselves that have held them back or limited their ability to make satisfying decisions. Each person coming to therapy is in a different place with different needs. I meet them at that place and work with them to move forward and find healing. My goal is to approach clients with compassionate understanding.
A special area of interest is chronic pain and proactive pain management.
The therapeutic dialogue is a unique collaboration in which exploration and growth can occur while addressing difficult issues around relationships and life. I work with clients to navigate challenges and explore the parts of themselves that have held them back or limited their ability to make satisfying decisions. Each person coming to therapy is in a different place with different needs. I meet them at that place and work with them to move forward and find healing. My goal is to approach clients with compassionate understanding.
Feeling better is no longer a mystery. This is fantastic news! We no longer need to be stuck in negative mood states, feel paralyzing levels of anxiety & debilitating emotional/physical pain. Instead, our brain can be transformed when the right combination of therapy skills and techniques are utilized. My 15 years of extensive training as a psychologist has uniquely equipped me with the ability to apply integrative and evidenced-based interventions to achieve maximum results. I blend compassion focused therapy, cognitive-behavioral methods, eastern practices and cutting-edge neuroscience to help you rewire the brain for a healthier you! There is hope!
Feeling better is no longer a mystery. This is fantastic news! We no longer need to be stuck in negative mood states, feel paralyzing levels of anxiety & debilitating emotional/physical pain. Instead, our brain can be transformed when the right combination of therapy skills and techniques are utilized. My 15 years of extensive training as a psychologist has uniquely equipped me with the ability to apply integrative and evidenced-based interventions to achieve maximum results. I blend compassion focused therapy, cognitive-behavioral methods, eastern practices and cutting-edge neuroscience to help you rewire the brain for a healthier you! There is hope!
Throughout life, there are many challenges and decisions to navigate while we process and learn from our own experiences. How we make sense of them and give experiences meaning is crucial in moving from feeling stuck towards being fully authentic and present in life. Together, we can work through barriers and move towards a place of self-compassion. I work with adults experiencing life transitions, chronic pain, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and self esteem concerns. My own background as a musician informs my approach to working with performance anxiety as well as my interest in working with other creatives and performing artists.
Throughout life, there are many challenges and decisions to navigate while we process and learn from our own experiences. How we make sense of them and give experiences meaning is crucial in moving from feeling stuck towards being fully authentic and present in life. Together, we can work through barriers and move towards a place of self-compassion. I work with adults experiencing life transitions, chronic pain, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and self esteem concerns. My own background as a musician informs my approach to working with performance anxiety as well as my interest in working with other creatives and performing artists.
I take a compassionate, warm, and collaborative approach to connect with my clients and understand their goals for improving their quality of life. If you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed, I can help you to feel empowered to face challenges in your life. I work with clients who have issues related to anxiety, stress, and depression. I also have specialized training in treating insomnia, chronic pain, coping with chronic illness, and coping with the stress of caring for a loved one with chronic illness.
I take a compassionate, warm, and collaborative approach to connect with my clients and understand their goals for improving their quality of life. If you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed, I can help you to feel empowered to face challenges in your life. I work with clients who have issues related to anxiety, stress, and depression. I also have specialized training in treating insomnia, chronic pain, coping with chronic illness, and coping with the stress of caring for a loved one with chronic illness.
Ephphatha 'Be Opened' Consulting Services, Inc.
Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LMHC, CCMHC, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60625 (Online Only)
Clients that come to me for issues regarding their dissatisfaction with their progress on overcoming their challenges in life. Life issues range from traumatic experiences, LGBTQ issues, addictions & substance use disorders, spiritual problems, career problems, chronic illness, child & parenting issues as well as family imbalances. They want change and they want it with someone who can connect with them in real ways that help them know they are cared for, can be confident, and can overcome the challenges that confront them.
Clients that come to me for issues regarding their dissatisfaction with their progress on overcoming their challenges in life. Life issues range from traumatic experiences, LGBTQ issues, addictions & substance use disorders, spiritual problems, career problems, chronic illness, child & parenting issues as well as family imbalances. They want change and they want it with someone who can connect with them in real ways that help them know they are cared for, can be confident, and can overcome the challenges that confront them.
“You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Hello! I'm Kasey, a compassionate clinical therapist with a diverse background in supporting individuals of all ages, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Intellectual Disabilities, as well as clients experiencing chronic pain. With a focus on both children and adults, I bring several years of experience in providing comprehensive mental health care across inpatient, therapeutic day schools, Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and outpatient settings.
“You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Hello! I'm Kasey, a compassionate clinical therapist with a diverse background in supporting individuals of all ages, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Intellectual Disabilities, as well as clients experiencing chronic pain. With a focus on both children and adults, I bring several years of experience in providing comprehensive mental health care across inpatient, therapeutic day schools, Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and outpatient settings.
My specialties are anxiety, depression, daily stress, as well as the psychosocial impact and mental health management of chronic pain and medical conditions.
Hello, I’m Dr. Kelly Hamoudah! In my work, I believe that establishing a safe space and building rapport is the first step towards the healing process. If you’re looking for help from a psychologist who uses evidence based interventions, is warm and friendly, and cares about you reaching your goals, then you’re in the right spot.
My specialties are anxiety, depression, daily stress, as well as the psychosocial impact and mental health management of chronic pain and medical conditions.
Hello, I’m Dr. Kelly Hamoudah! In my work, I believe that establishing a safe space and building rapport is the first step towards the healing process. If you’re looking for help from a psychologist who uses evidence based interventions, is warm and friendly, and cares about you reaching your goals, then you’re in the right spot.
I provide therapy for adults, couples and families. Clients frequently are struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, grief and loss. My clients are often going thru a medical crisis, managing chronic pain or are dealing with a family member's illness. I also help clients who are grieving or who have issues with aging parents and need a plan and to deal with feelings of sadness. I am a registered nurse as well as a clinical social worker and have advanced training in medical family therapy. I am a very good listener and assist my clients in finding their strengths to help them move forward in life.
I provide therapy for adults, couples and families. Clients frequently are struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, grief and loss. My clients are often going thru a medical crisis, managing chronic pain or are dealing with a family member's illness. I also help clients who are grieving or who have issues with aging parents and need a plan and to deal with feelings of sadness. I am a registered nurse as well as a clinical social worker and have advanced training in medical family therapy. I am a very good listener and assist my clients in finding their strengths to help them move forward in life.
Dr. Tracy Aneziris
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Schaumburg, IL 60168 (Online Only)
I have specific training in treating depression, anxiety, chronic pain and illness, grief and loss, first responder stress, adjustment disorders in adults, and disruptive behavior and attention problems in children.
I view therapy as a journey for self-exploration and positive change. In sessions, I work as a teammate and motivator for my clients to reach their goals and improve their quality of life. My success in helping clients comes from gaining a deeper understanding about client experiences, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In addition, I help clients seek awareness about how their emotional experiences impact their biological health and functioning.
I have specific training in treating depression, anxiety, chronic pain and illness, grief and loss, first responder stress, adjustment disorders in adults, and disruptive behavior and attention problems in children.
I view therapy as a journey for self-exploration and positive change. In sessions, I work as a teammate and motivator for my clients to reach their goals and improve their quality of life. My success in helping clients comes from gaining a deeper understanding about client experiences, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In addition, I help clients seek awareness about how their emotional experiences impact their biological health and functioning.
See more therapy options for Cook County
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.