Chronic Pain Therapists in Evanston, IL
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.
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.
Claire Adams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60201
I aim to make therapy a space where, above all, two humans can come together to connect, while working to understand and process the difficult thoughts, feelings, and sensations that come along with life. I work primarily with adults, and always seek to create a therapeutic space based on connection, empathy, understanding, and sometimes humor. I specialize in the treatment of OCD and anxiety diagnoses, as well as experiences with chronic pain, illness, and other somatic-based problems. Others areas within my experience include: depression, trauma-based diagnoses, relational problems, and psychodynamic informed talk therapy.
I aim to make therapy a space where, above all, two humans can come together to connect, while working to understand and process the difficult thoughts, feelings, and sensations that come along with life. I work primarily with adults, and always seek to create a therapeutic space based on connection, empathy, understanding, and sometimes humor. I specialize in the treatment of OCD and anxiety diagnoses, as well as experiences with chronic pain, illness, and other somatic-based problems. Others areas within my experience include: depression, trauma-based diagnoses, relational problems, and psychodynamic informed talk therapy.
I specialize in providing care for those who are living with chronic health issues (such as diabetes, HIV, or chronic pain), clients who identify as LGBTQ, those working to build a family, along with clients working through trauma, depression, anxiety and substance misuse.
I am an experienced clinician with over 15 years of experience working with clients across gender, ethnic, generational & religious differences. I am dedicated to establishing an authentic connection and creating a safe space for you to begin or continue your process of growth and healing. I tailor my approach to each client and their values and goals. In meeting you exactly where you are with empathy, we will work towards exploring what is at the core of your struggle and develop the insight and tools needed to help you improve your overall wellbeing.
I specialize in providing care for those who are living with chronic health issues (such as diabetes, HIV, or chronic pain), clients who identify as LGBTQ, those working to build a family, along with clients working through trauma, depression, anxiety and substance misuse.
I am an experienced clinician with over 15 years of experience working with clients across gender, ethnic, generational & religious differences. I am dedicated to establishing an authentic connection and creating a safe space for you to begin or continue your process of growth and healing. I tailor my approach to each client and their values and goals. In meeting you exactly where you are with empathy, we will work towards exploring what is at the core of your struggle and develop the insight and tools needed to help you improve your overall wellbeing.
My work is based in: brief, solution focused therapy; cognitive behavioral therapy; family systems; and Emotional Freedom Techniques, or tapping - an elegant practice that can bring about healing from trauma, loss, grief, anger, phobias, fear, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, resistance to change, or dealing with toxic 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.
My work is based in: brief, solution focused therapy; cognitive behavioral therapy; family systems; and Emotional Freedom Techniques, or tapping - an elegant practice that can bring about healing from trauma, loss, grief, anger, phobias, fear, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, resistance to change, or dealing with toxic 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.
Merari E Fernandez Castro
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, CYT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60201 (Online Only)
Psychotherapy is an opportunity to look at your deepest fears and face them with the support of an experienced and trusted therapist. At the Healing Journey Psychotherapy, I am committed to work with you and support you through a style that is relational, inquisitive, compassionate and challenging. My areas of expertise include surviving sexual abuse, domestic violence, chronic pain and the after effects of traumatic experiences in relationships.
Psychotherapy is an opportunity to look at your deepest fears and face them with the support of an experienced and trusted therapist. At the Healing Journey Psychotherapy, I am committed to work with you and support you through a style that is relational, inquisitive, compassionate and challenging. My areas of expertise include surviving sexual abuse, domestic violence, chronic pain and the after effects of traumatic experiences in relationships.
Some of the common issues I help my clients address include chronic pain, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, trauma, and LGBTQ+ related issues.
It is my goal to provide you with a safe, therapeutic space to unload and explore your needs, worries, and fears whatever they may be. The path to healing is unique for each of us. We will work collaboratively towards meeting your goals and needs, and in doing so, make your life more comfortable and satisfying. It is my hope that each person who meets with me feels accepted, as I respect each individual's culture, gender, race, religion, and sexual identity.
Some of the common issues I help my clients address include chronic pain, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, trauma, and LGBTQ+ related issues.
It is my goal to provide you with a safe, therapeutic space to unload and explore your needs, worries, and fears whatever they may be. The path to healing is unique for each of us. We will work collaboratively towards meeting your goals and needs, and in doing so, make your life more comfortable and satisfying. It is my hope that each person who meets with me feels accepted, as I respect each individual's culture, gender, race, religion, and sexual identity.
Have you been feeling 'crowded out', like there is no room for you to feel, to slow down and sort out what's right for you, and to enjoy your life? Perhaps self-critique, anger, sadness, physical tension and pain, or fear get so big on the inside that you feel crowded out that way? Perhaps you are so used to deferring to the wants, needs and ideas of others in your external life that it's hard to hear your own internal compass.
Have you been feeling 'crowded out', like there is no room for you to feel, to slow down and sort out what's right for you, and to enjoy your life? Perhaps self-critique, anger, sadness, physical tension and pain, or fear get so big on the inside that you feel crowded out that way? Perhaps you are so used to deferring to the wants, needs and ideas of others in your external life that it's hard to hear your own internal compass.
I have trained in perinatal mood disorders, EMDR, mindfulness for resilience, ACT therapy for management of chronic pain and illness, using attachment theory with new parents and with individual clients, and bereavement support.
I am currently accepting only clients who need short-term, crisis support as my practice is full. I support people under pressure, whether the source is professional, medical, or relational. I spent a decade supporting families and professionals managing high risk pregnancy and reproductive mood complications by staffing all units and clinics affiliated with a women's hospital. I have accompanied thousands of people managing high stakes medical decisions, illness or demise, caregiver fatigue in patients or professionals, infertility, and marital conflict.
I have trained in perinatal mood disorders, EMDR, mindfulness for resilience, ACT therapy for management of chronic pain and illness, using attachment theory with new parents and with individual clients, and bereavement support.
I am currently accepting only clients who need short-term, crisis support as my practice is full. I support people under pressure, whether the source is professional, medical, or relational. I spent a decade supporting families and professionals managing high risk pregnancy and reproductive mood complications by staffing all units and clinics affiliated with a women's hospital. I have accompanied thousands of people managing high stakes medical decisions, illness or demise, caregiver fatigue in patients or professionals, infertility, and marital conflict.
I combine evidence-based therapeutic approaches with Person-Centered Therapy to meet your unique needs and holistic ways to identify and treat the root causes of emotional pain rather than just alleviating symptoms with individuals' traits and values.
Hi! I am Jihye (pronounced Ji Hae). I believe everyone has their own "Twinkle Twinkle." This is my philosophy in therapy. I aim to kindle this twinkling light within you, to help you discover and connect with your Authentic self, a spark of divinity that is woven in your being in order to grow. Personal growth always helps you be alert, fully awakened to perceive your twinkle, which has always been there, and loyal to your full potential. I am working with individuals (adults) struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and trauma, and couples. I am also working with individuals who want spiritual counseling.
I combine evidence-based therapeutic approaches with Person-Centered Therapy to meet your unique needs and holistic ways to identify and treat the root causes of emotional pain rather than just alleviating symptoms with individuals' traits and values.
Hi! I am Jihye (pronounced Ji Hae). I believe everyone has their own "Twinkle Twinkle." This is my philosophy in therapy. I aim to kindle this twinkling light within you, to help you discover and connect with your Authentic self, a spark of divinity that is woven in your being in order to grow. Personal growth always helps you be alert, fully awakened to perceive your twinkle, which has always been there, and loyal to your full potential. I am working with individuals (adults) struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and trauma, and couples. I am also working with individuals who want spiritual counseling.
I’m here to help. We all experience stress, loss and pain in so many ways. But we are resilient and, with help, can overcome and enjoy life again. Using a trauma informed and culturally informed focus, I use a combination of compassionate talk therapy, mindfulness and body-based tools as your partner to wellness. In my 20+ years as a clinical psychologist I have been privileged to work with folks from all walks of life especially those in marginalized groups. If you need to sort things out in a safe place, you’ve come to the right place.
I’m here to help. We all experience stress, loss and pain in so many ways. But we are resilient and, with help, can overcome and enjoy life again. Using a trauma informed and culturally informed focus, I use a combination of compassionate talk therapy, mindfulness and body-based tools as your partner to wellness. In my 20+ years as a clinical psychologist I have been privileged to work with folks from all walks of life especially those in marginalized groups. If you need to sort things out in a safe place, you’ve come to the right place.
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Julia Golden
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60201
I am passionate about helping people understand the complex emotions that come from living with chronic pain/illness.
My approach to therapy is grounded in empathy; providing a safe space where you can explore your emotions and experiences without fear of judgment. I also recognize the value of incorporating humor when appropriate in therapy. Laughter can be a powerful tool in building rapport, easing tension, and exploring new perspectives. Together, we can explore how humor might play a role in your therapeutic journey, enhancing our collaborative work toward your goals.
I am passionate about helping people understand the complex emotions that come from living with chronic pain/illness.
My approach to therapy is grounded in empathy; providing a safe space where you can explore your emotions and experiences without fear of judgment. I also recognize the value of incorporating humor when appropriate in therapy. Laughter can be a powerful tool in building rapport, easing tension, and exploring new perspectives. Together, we can explore how humor might play a role in your therapeutic journey, enhancing our collaborative work toward your goals.
I work with adults struggling with depression, anxiety, prolonged or acute grief, chronic pain or illness, caregiving, sexual orientation, and relationship issues. I do not subscribe to one particular modality but rather tailor my approach to each client's needs. I believe working in the here and now are great ways to address current stressors, and I'm always happy to work with clients to address deeper issues as appropriate.
I work with adults struggling with depression, anxiety, prolonged or acute grief, chronic pain or illness, caregiving, sexual orientation, and relationship issues. I do not subscribe to one particular modality but rather tailor my approach to each client's needs. I believe working in the here and now are great ways to address current stressors, and I'm always happy to work with clients to address deeper issues as appropriate.
Suzanne Hawley Counseling, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, ACHP-SW, AM
Verified Verified
Evanston, IL 60202 (Online Only)
Is your goal lowering your stress? Having better communication with family and medical providers? Broadening your social support? Improving your coping skills, including bereavement and grief? These are goals that I can help you achieve. I've been a therapist for many years working inside a hospital and supporting all walks of life. I can help you overcome anxiety, depression, grief, worry, stress, managing chronic illness, concerns about being a caregiver to family, and navigating life's challenges and transitions.
Is your goal lowering your stress? Having better communication with family and medical providers? Broadening your social support? Improving your coping skills, including bereavement and grief? These are goals that I can help you achieve. I've been a therapist for many years working inside a hospital and supporting all walks of life. I can help you overcome anxiety, depression, grief, worry, stress, managing chronic illness, concerns about being a caregiver to family, and navigating life's challenges and transitions.
Kaitlin Skog
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60201 (Online Only)
With compassion, and humor, I have counseled individuals through a variety of life’s challenges, including but not limited to; grief, relationship struggles, domestic violence/abuse, family trauma, sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and severe mental illness.
In my therapy practice, I specialize in creating an empathic and supportive environment. I will work to empower and guide you to develop healthy coping strategies, deeper more satisfying relationships, and the skills and space to process your emotions and move forward.
With compassion, and humor, I have counseled individuals through a variety of life’s challenges, including but not limited to; grief, relationship struggles, domestic violence/abuse, family trauma, sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and severe mental illness.
In my therapy practice, I specialize in creating an empathic and supportive environment. I will work to empower and guide you to develop healthy coping strategies, deeper more satisfying relationships, and the skills and space to process your emotions and move forward.
Are you feeling lost or stuck? Do you doubt or criticize yourself? Do you feel anxious or depressed? I would love to work with you to gain clarity into your experiences, so that you can find space for self-compassion and understanding to gain the freedom to live the life you really want. You may have had a painful childhood and had to learn ways to cope to survive - like pushing yourself really hard, burying your pain, or anything else just to get by. You may be exhausted by the struggle. Let's find that inner wisdom - what you really need to bring ease to your life and allow yourself to find a path that works for you, step by step.
Are you feeling lost or stuck? Do you doubt or criticize yourself? Do you feel anxious or depressed? I would love to work with you to gain clarity into your experiences, so that you can find space for self-compassion and understanding to gain the freedom to live the life you really want. You may have had a painful childhood and had to learn ways to cope to survive - like pushing yourself really hard, burying your pain, or anything else just to get by. You may be exhausted by the struggle. Let's find that inner wisdom - what you really need to bring ease to your life and allow yourself to find a path that works for you, step by step.
Erin Conley
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60201
In the wise words of Audre Lorde, “Pain is important: how we evade it, how we succumb to it, how we deal with it, and how we transcend it…” However pain or distress have found you, I hope to help you find relief through creativity, compassion, humor, and appreciation for your unique humanity.
If you are looking at my profile, I imagine you've been struggling for some time. You may not be able to put your finger on it, but you know you can't do it alone. That's where I'm happy to be of help. I approach therapy with warmth, compassion, and a deep reverence for my clients. Guided by a strong belief in the power of the therapeutic relationship and the effectiveness of collaboration, I use an eclectic blend of several different approaches. You are the expert on your own life and I honor being able to walk alongside you to light the way as you navigate the challenging and beautiful terrain of life and find healing.
In the wise words of Audre Lorde, “Pain is important: how we evade it, how we succumb to it, how we deal with it, and how we transcend it…” However pain or distress have found you, I hope to help you find relief through creativity, compassion, humor, and appreciation for your unique humanity.
If you are looking at my profile, I imagine you've been struggling for some time. You may not be able to put your finger on it, but you know you can't do it alone. That's where I'm happy to be of help. I approach therapy with warmth, compassion, and a deep reverence for my clients. Guided by a strong belief in the power of the therapeutic relationship and the effectiveness of collaboration, I use an eclectic blend of several different approaches. You are the expert on your own life and I honor being able to walk alongside you to light the way as you navigate the challenging and beautiful terrain of life and find healing.
My specialties include anxiety, depression, divorce, healing from narcissistic relationships, trauma recovery, grief/loss, living with chronic illness, and life transtions.
My practice incorporates an integrative approach to health and wellness for people who are anxious, overwhelmed, and feeling stuck. With over 25 years of experience as a psychotherapist and life coach, I help clients uncover the root cause of their pain so they can regain their energy, be productive, and have joy in their life. Together, we can release limiting beliefs that are holding you back from achieving your goals. I offer a free 15-minute consultation to explore treatment options.
My specialties include anxiety, depression, divorce, healing from narcissistic relationships, trauma recovery, grief/loss, living with chronic illness, and life transtions.
My practice incorporates an integrative approach to health and wellness for people who are anxious, overwhelmed, and feeling stuck. With over 25 years of experience as a psychotherapist and life coach, I help clients uncover the root cause of their pain so they can regain their energy, be productive, and have joy in their life. Together, we can release limiting beliefs that are holding you back from achieving your goals. I offer a free 15-minute consultation to explore treatment options.
Amanda Ives
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CDBT
Verified Verified
Evanston, IL 60202 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
With the understanding that no two people fit the same mold, I offer an eclectic, holistic approach to empower and support clients. From a neuro affirmative lens, I work with adults navigating trauma, parenting and caregiving challenges, PTSD, chronic illness, gender and sexuality, ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, stress management, life transitions, and relationship issues. I deeply enjoy challenging shame and stigma surrounding all expansive and marginal identities.
With the understanding that no two people fit the same mold, I offer an eclectic, holistic approach to empower and support clients. From a neuro affirmative lens, I work with adults navigating trauma, parenting and caregiving challenges, PTSD, chronic illness, gender and sexuality, ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, stress management, life transitions, and relationship issues. I deeply enjoy challenging shame and stigma surrounding all expansive and marginal identities.
How you show up for yourself is just as important as how you show up for others. This fact often gets lost when we are faced with stress, trauma, illness or loss. “Coming back” to yourself with understanding, compassion and empathy is a critical first step toward personal recovery and restoring relationships that are hurting. In therapy with me you will gain tools to help with coping, communication, and setting boundaries. I help clients understand their own emotional attachment needs and interpersonal style and I believe therapy is most effective when grounded this way.
How you show up for yourself is just as important as how you show up for others. This fact often gets lost when we are faced with stress, trauma, illness or loss. “Coming back” to yourself with understanding, compassion and empathy is a critical first step toward personal recovery and restoring relationships that are hurting. In therapy with me you will gain tools to help with coping, communication, and setting boundaries. I help clients understand their own emotional attachment needs and interpersonal style and I believe therapy is most effective when grounded this way.
See more therapy options for Evanston
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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.