Chronic Pain Therapists in Cook County, IL

Life can feel overwhelming when you're faced with loss or change. As much as you try to adjust, it can be scary and confusing to realize that life isn't turning out the way you had planned. Life stress -- such as divorce or relationship loss, death of a loved one, job loss, illness, caregiving -- happens to most of us at some point and it can seem nearly impossible to bounce back from such heartache.

When you live with trauma or emotional pain—or just plain feel lost—it can be difficult to manage your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Together, we can sort out what is and is not working for you so you can feel in control and step into your authentic self. You can find a sense of balance and peace as we navigate the patterns you have fallen into and develop opportunities for healing and a new way of being in the world. As a therapist fluent in American Sign Language, I work extensively with the Deaf community. I am passionate about working with Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in a way that respects their culture.

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, I have spent numerous years working with individuals, couples and families ranging from adolescence through adulthood, with a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, stress management, PTSD, ADHD, adjustment to life changes and/or medical treatments, grief and loss issues; parenting concerns; couple issues; or problems coping with daily stress. If you have some of these concerns, you can experience emotional, mental and relational healing. I employ a collaborative, supportive and confidential approach to work together on your therapy goals.

As you begin your journey in therapy, let me walk you briefly through my journey. I have experience providing services in community-based settings, schools, and hospitals. I am certified as a trauma-informed yoga practitioner and as a Racial Healing Circle practitioner through TRHT. I value the benefit of integrating these practices with therapy to enhance a holistic healing. In my personal and professional life, I value self-care and self-compassion through the practice of mindful body-movement therapy. I am intentional about creating balance and listening to your needs.

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.

Each of us are navigating our own personal journeys, with challenges along the way. We make connections each day through our successes and struggles, where it is important to remember that we are not alone. You can overcome barriers, feel a true sense of belonging, relieve worry and stress, increase joy, and know yourself on a deeper level as you achieve more than you thought possible. I am passionate about helping you make lasting improvements using your unique talents to create the life that you desire as we uncover your personal definition of success.

Life stressors can undermine an individual's functioning and ability to engage in day-to-day life, and I like to work collaboratively with clients to introduce healthier and more adaptive ways to view themselves and their world. I primarily work with adults that are experiencing anxiety, depression, adjustment to life changes, and those seeking to explore and change unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors.

The task of finding a new therapist to walk with you in your journey toward growth, hope, and healing can be so difficult! My style is relational and dynamic, meaning that I hold the past and present together as we work through your story to examine places you feel stuck or want to make changes. Your safety in the therapeutic relationship is important in order to facilitate the exploration of what can be painful thoughts, feelings, and memories. I integrate evidence-based techniques, cultural humility, and a nonjudgemental perspective to help you find your strengths and meet your life goals.

Are you a chronically ill person who feels unheard or dismissed? Are you struggling with navigating life as a Queer, TGNC, poly, or kinky person? Or with AFAB-specific health conditions (Endometriosis, etc.)? My work centers marginalized identities, including those who are chronically ill, disabled, queer, TGNC, poly, and/or kinky. My lived experiences navigating chronic illness, ableism, survivorship, and Bi+ invisibility have taught me compassion and the importance of rest as an act of resistance against oppressive systems. In the words of Audre Lorde, self-care “is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”

I believe that therapy is a healthy and proactive way to facilitate healing, growth, and wellness. I am a dedicated and compassionate counselor who is committed to helping people find individualized solutions to personal challenges. I work within the holistic framework that encompasses many different approaches in order to build trust and ensure you are empowered in your journey. Often we come in for therapy to address a specific concern and through that begin to discover other areas of our lives that we want to make meaningful change in. I am dedicated to to providing you a safe and collaborative space to do this.

Suffering is often the result of less than nurturing relationships and experiences. Fear can become imprisoned in the body. Family and culture can dictate how safe it is, or not safe, to express and be yourself. My immigrant experience from Taiwan allows me deeper empathy with people navigating life transitions and relating to different cultures and new relationships. At Embodied Way Psychotherapy PLLC, I strive to empower individuals within the context of systemic injustice and complications. My work is to provide compassion and wisdom so that you can feel fully alive and authentic in your body, your world and your relationships.

Going through changes? Some are easier to navigate than others. Often experiences and patterns can limit your response to challenges and keep you stuck in unsatisfying relationships and situations. Together, in a safe and supportive environment, we can examine what has been working well for you and how your life might change by responding differently. We can work together to make the next stage of your life more fulfilling, empowering, and satisfying.

When in the midst of the storm; anxiety, relationship challenges, parenting struggles, perinatal mental health, or medical concerns, connecting with a counselor could be the tool that you need to find hope and skills to get through it. My passion is to get to know you, your thoughts and stress in order to partner with you so you are not alone and establish coping skills, goals and work toward what you long for.

Hello, I'm Dr. Chris Chroniak. For 38 years I have assisted individuals struggling with depression, stress and anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, divorce, OCD, a relationship or lack of one, as well as numerous other psychological and emotional issues. I begin therapy by developing a warm and genuine relationship with my client. We then work together to explore and work through the underlying issues that block growth and cause pain or discomfort. I also teach my clients practical and effective tools that help them deal with painful and troubling thoughts and feelings, as they occur, moment by moment.

I view therapy as a collaborative process where we work together to disempower the challenges you are facing. Our conversations will help you clarify your hopes and identify the tools needed to overcome the problems you are up against. I bring sensitivity and curiosity to foster a therapeutic space that feels safe and productive. I work with couples to strengthen communication, build trust, heal hurt, and break undesired habits. I support mothers, families and teens. I view this work as a privilege as I share in your experience of moving towards personal and relational fulfillment.

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 am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor working at Balance Counseling & Wellness in Homewood, Illinois. Previously, I have worked as a registered nurse for over 20 years, while receiving training in Healing Touch and Reiki. I approach counseling from a client-centered and holistic (mind, body, spirit) perspective and hold special interest in PTSD and issues related to chronic pain and medical concerns. I assist clients in working through the therapeutic process, believing that therapy can assist in experiencing positive change during difficult life circumstances. Contact me at 708-820-8250

I am passionate about helping individuals, couples and families both understand their challenges and create a pathway to healing. I believe the first step in this process is to find the right therapist and establish a trusting, honest, and mutually respectful relationship. I meet clients where they are and help them gain skills in such areas as emoitonal regulation, stress management, communication, parenting, problem solving and relaxation techniques.

My work as a therapist is guided by the values of authenticity and respect. I offer a safe and supportive environment for self-examination and growth, and work in partnership with you to determine your own unique needs for healing. I have experience supporting clients through life and career transitions, explorations of meaning and purpose, anxiety, depression, decision-making, concerns surrounding chronic illness and/or disability, and issues related to creative work and identity. When appropriate, I incorporate mindfulness and acceptance practices, and work from a trauma-informed lens that includes body-awareness.