Chronic Pain Therapists in River Forest, IL
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.
Oak Park Behavioral Medicine LLC
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
River Forest, IL 60305
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.
My goal as a therapist is to help people get back on track with what is truly important in their lives and let go of the unnecessary struggle that psychological pain can create. I believe that everyone can learn to take a new perspective on pain in order to prevent it from acting as a barrier to the most important parts of their lives.
My goal as a therapist is to help people get back on track with what is truly important in their lives and let go of the unnecessary struggle that psychological pain can create. I believe that everyone can learn to take a new perspective on pain in order to prevent it from acting as a barrier to the most important parts of their lives.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist & work with adults and children managing illness and pain, traumatic loss and grief, and difficult anxiety I provide psychotherapy that integrates self-directed stress management skills, including hypnosis, mindfulness, guided imagery, and regulated breathing exercises.
You want to be well, content, and feel better. But, managing chronic health conditions, feeling overwhelmed by high levels of stress and anxiety, and facing unexpected and sudden loss/grief can be enormous tasks, especially during our challenging times. Across the lifespan, we face emotional, relational, and physical difficulties that are often best navigated when we are heard, supported, and able to cultivate the natural curiosity that invites us to change.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist & work with adults and children managing illness and pain, traumatic loss and grief, and difficult anxiety I provide psychotherapy that integrates self-directed stress management skills, including hypnosis, mindfulness, guided imagery, and regulated breathing exercises.
You want to be well, content, and feel better. But, managing chronic health conditions, feeling overwhelmed by high levels of stress and anxiety, and facing unexpected and sudden loss/grief can be enormous tasks, especially during our challenging times. Across the lifespan, we face emotional, relational, and physical difficulties that are often best navigated when we are heard, supported, and able to cultivate the natural curiosity that invites us to change.
I believe in everyone's resilience and capacity to change and grow. I strive to foster optimism and hope so you can envision your possibilities and options in life, motivating you to try something new or different to change yourself or your life. I work collaboratively with you to explore, make sense of, and help navigate issues with relationships, work-related stress, school performance, grief, adjustment to illness, dealing with immigration or relocation, and other changes we go through.
I believe in everyone's resilience and capacity to change and grow. I strive to foster optimism and hope so you can envision your possibilities and options in life, motivating you to try something new or different to change yourself or your life. I work collaboratively with you to explore, make sense of, and help navigate issues with relationships, work-related stress, school performance, grief, adjustment to illness, dealing with immigration or relocation, and other changes we go through.
Areas of special interest include: couples facing relational challenges, mothers working to find balance, young adults and teenagers, artists, anxiety, depression, betrayal and trust, sexual orientation and gender identity, and chronic pain.
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.
Areas of special interest include: couples facing relational challenges, mothers working to find balance, young adults and teenagers, artists, anxiety, depression, betrayal and trust, sexual orientation and gender identity, and chronic pain.
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.
Rebecca Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
River Forest, IL 60305 (Online Only)
This combined with years of training in deep healing modalities, my clients have found a reduction in symptoms associated with both big and little life traumas, chronic pain, phobias, negative relationship patterns, anxiety, depression, and self confidence issues.
When we are able to truly understand ourselves and our relationships, we can build a life of genuine meaning and connection. Many people enter into therapy only to find themselves gaining small amounts of insight that produce little or no changes in their life. My therapeutic methods produce results that not only change the way we feel about ourselves in the world but change our behaviors. I am respectful of the fact that everyone's pace and tolerance to different interventions varies. My work is reflective of the care and respect I have for each and every client as individuals.
This combined with years of training in deep healing modalities, my clients have found a reduction in symptoms associated with both big and little life traumas, chronic pain, phobias, negative relationship patterns, anxiety, depression, and self confidence issues.
When we are able to truly understand ourselves and our relationships, we can build a life of genuine meaning and connection. Many people enter into therapy only to find themselves gaining small amounts of insight that produce little or no changes in their life. My therapeutic methods produce results that not only change the way we feel about ourselves in the world but change our behaviors. I am respectful of the fact that everyone's pace and tolerance to different interventions varies. My work is reflective of the care and respect I have for each and every client as individuals.
Do you or a loved one have concerns about your thinking skills? If so, neuropsychological evaluation may be beneficial. During an evaluation, Dr. Baldassarre will first gather information about your psychological and physical well-being. You will then complete measures of cognitive and emotional functioning with the help of a trained technician. Dr. Baldassarre then takes information obtained from your medical records, the interview, and formal testing and writes a comprehensive report highlighting your strengths and weaknesses. Should a diagnosis be relevant, she will provide one, along with recommendations for treatment.
Do you or a loved one have concerns about your thinking skills? If so, neuropsychological evaluation may be beneficial. During an evaluation, Dr. Baldassarre will first gather information about your psychological and physical well-being. You will then complete measures of cognitive and emotional functioning with the help of a trained technician. Dr. Baldassarre then takes information obtained from your medical records, the interview, and formal testing and writes a comprehensive report highlighting your strengths and weaknesses. Should a diagnosis be relevant, she will provide one, along with recommendations for treatment.
Ethan Israelsohn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
River Forest, IL 60305 (Online Only)
Is it difficult for you to achieve your goals because of depression, anxiety, panic, or fears? For over 25 years I have provided a comfortable and supportive atmosphere where results can be obtained quickly. Do you experience the overwhelming impact of chronic disease on you and your family? Do you or a loved one have physical or medical problems that just seem too stressful or confusing to manage? Many people seek my help with asthma, emphysema, diabetes, heart, and other chronic diseases and achieve better treatment results and a higher level of control in their lives.
Is it difficult for you to achieve your goals because of depression, anxiety, panic, or fears? For over 25 years I have provided a comfortable and supportive atmosphere where results can be obtained quickly. Do you experience the overwhelming impact of chronic disease on you and your family? Do you or a loved one have physical or medical problems that just seem too stressful or confusing to manage? Many people seek my help with asthma, emphysema, diabetes, heart, and other chronic diseases and achieve better treatment results and a higher level of control in their lives.
Jessica B Sittig
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, R-DMT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
River Forest, IL 60305
My specialty is providing therapeutic services to children and adults. I utilize a client centered approach to join with my clients in the therapeutic process and offer gentle, non-judgmental support through the journey of therapy. I meet you where you are.
My specialty is providing therapeutic services to children and adults. I utilize a client centered approach to join with my clients in the therapeutic process and offer gentle, non-judgmental support through the journey of therapy. I meet you where you are.
Dr. Christine T. Look is a Psychologist in Illinois who has been practicing since 1998. Dr. Look works with individuals, couples, and families facing life challenges. As a psychologist, she sees therapy as a collaborative process between client and therapist. Her role is to provide a safe and confidential space for clients, to understand the nature of their concerns and the challenges facing them. Together, Dr. Look works with clients to identify therapy goals that will create positive changes in their life. The process of therapy is individual.
Dr. Christine T. Look is a Psychologist in Illinois who has been practicing since 1998. Dr. Look works with individuals, couples, and families facing life challenges. As a psychologist, she sees therapy as a collaborative process between client and therapist. Her role is to provide a safe and confidential space for clients, to understand the nature of their concerns and the challenges facing them. Together, Dr. Look works with clients to identify therapy goals that will create positive changes in their life. The process of therapy is individual.
Crystal Ward
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
River Forest, IL 60305
Reaching out for help can be difficult. It takes courage, vulnerability and hope to seek support and be open to seeing things from a new perspective. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and family coping. I work with adolescents, adults, families and couples to help them find greater fulfillment from life and relationships. My therapeutic style is warm, empathetic, culturally sensitive, strength based and client centered. As a former medical social worker, I am experienced in helping families cope through the many emotional and practical challenges a medical diagnosis and treatment can bring.
Reaching out for help can be difficult. It takes courage, vulnerability and hope to seek support and be open to seeing things from a new perspective. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and family coping. I work with adolescents, adults, families and couples to help them find greater fulfillment from life and relationships. My therapeutic style is warm, empathetic, culturally sensitive, strength based and client centered. As a former medical social worker, I am experienced in helping families cope through the many emotional and practical challenges a medical diagnosis and treatment can bring.
Anna Katarina Berin
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
River Forest, IL 60305
Katarina Berin, LPC, believes that change starts with reciprocity and respect in the therapy relationship. She encourages self-expression, affirmation, feedback, learning, and self-awareness to help clients set goals and make new behaviors possible. Katarina earned a graduate degree in community counseling from Loyola University Chicago. She works with clients age 7 to 76 and, while delighted by all life stages, has a special place in her heart for adolescents and young adults. Katarina helps individuals facing various challenges learn to live with energy, flexibility, and peace.
Katarina Berin, LPC, believes that change starts with reciprocity and respect in the therapy relationship. She encourages self-expression, affirmation, feedback, learning, and self-awareness to help clients set goals and make new behaviors possible. Katarina earned a graduate degree in community counseling from Loyola University Chicago. She works with clients age 7 to 76 and, while delighted by all life stages, has a special place in her heart for adolescents and young adults. Katarina helps individuals facing various challenges learn to live with energy, flexibility, and peace.
Margaret McGonegal
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
River Forest, IL 60305 (Online Only)
Life’s challenges happen suddenly. Without warning it feels like you can’t navigate through with confidence and calm. Instead, you are plagued with worry, hesitation, anxiety, and depression. At times, life feels like a ticking time bomb, and you are desperately searching for an effective means to diffuse it. But your coping skills aren’t working well enough, or maybe they weren’t that healthy in the first place. How are you supposed to get comfortable with the challenges you are experiencing, let alone feel you are responding in a healthy way, when everything around you – maybe even your person – can be so unpredictable?
Life’s challenges happen suddenly. Without warning it feels like you can’t navigate through with confidence and calm. Instead, you are plagued with worry, hesitation, anxiety, and depression. At times, life feels like a ticking time bomb, and you are desperately searching for an effective means to diffuse it. But your coping skills aren’t working well enough, or maybe they weren’t that healthy in the first place. How are you supposed to get comfortable with the challenges you are experiencing, let alone feel you are responding in a healthy way, when everything around you – maybe even your person – can be so unpredictable?
Rocio Muñoz
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
River Forest, IL 60305 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
The current national and global challenges have created unprecedented levels of ambiguity and distress for many of us. We must optimize our resilience and self-care to navigate our day and expand our coping strategies to successfully meet new demands. Thanks to my training and experience, I bring a unique skill set to help craft and implement solutions with maximal long-term viability. We can safely change reactions into actions and give you new insight over yourself and your environment. You can have fulfilling and life-enhancing relationships; you can parent mindfully and effectively.
The current national and global challenges have created unprecedented levels of ambiguity and distress for many of us. We must optimize our resilience and self-care to navigate our day and expand our coping strategies to successfully meet new demands. Thanks to my training and experience, I bring a unique skill set to help craft and implement solutions with maximal long-term viability. We can safely change reactions into actions and give you new insight over yourself and your environment. You can have fulfilling and life-enhancing relationships; you can parent mindfully and effectively.
More Therapists Nearby
Therapeutic services may include issues such as pain management, treatment adherence, sleep difficulties, general supportive therapy, and/or exploring the deeper meaning of how illness has affected one’s life.
Dr. Feuer is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the Director of Health Psychology at IPD/DMG. She completed the majority of her clinical training in medical hospitals and outpatient settings. She additionally works as an adjunct faculty member for the PsyD Clinical Psychology program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Feuer’s areas of expertise include adults (18+) living with chronic medical illnesses, and has particular experience with clients diagnosed with cancer, cardiovascular, and transplant-related diagnoses. She also has experience working with caregivers of individuals living with chronic illness.
Therapeutic services may include issues such as pain management, treatment adherence, sleep difficulties, general supportive therapy, and/or exploring the deeper meaning of how illness has affected one’s life.
Dr. Feuer is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the Director of Health Psychology at IPD/DMG. She completed the majority of her clinical training in medical hospitals and outpatient settings. She additionally works as an adjunct faculty member for the PsyD Clinical Psychology program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Feuer’s areas of expertise include adults (18+) living with chronic medical illnesses, and has particular experience with clients diagnosed with cancer, cardiovascular, and transplant-related diagnoses. She also has experience working with caregivers of individuals living with chronic illness.
Lynn Kleinberger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
Are you experiencing issues with sexual desire, functioning, or orgasm that are related to your disability, injury, or chronic illness? I work with individuals struggling with a range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, and past trauma. I understand the significance of past experiences and how they make an impact on the present. I'm committed to creating a flexible and inclusive environment where you feel empowered to explore new concepts and challenge yourself. I have experience working with individuals in atypical relationship structures such as open or polyam.
Are you experiencing issues with sexual desire, functioning, or orgasm that are related to your disability, injury, or chronic illness? I work with individuals struggling with a range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, and past trauma. I understand the significance of past experiences and how they make an impact on the present. I'm committed to creating a flexible and inclusive environment where you feel empowered to explore new concepts and challenge yourself. I have experience working with individuals in atypical relationship structures such as open or polyam.
Katie Bangs
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, NBCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60302
The courage to show up for yourself is the ultimate act of strength and self-love. My goal is to meet each client where you are in your journey and provide trust, empathy and compassion to further explore your thoughts, emotions and experiences. I have supported those processing complex trauma, adverse childhood experiences, grief/loss, life transitions and strained family relationships. I have worked with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, mood disorders, codependency, chronic pain, self-harm and suicidal ideation. With a background in health and fitness, I bring awareness to one's physiological symptoms.
The courage to show up for yourself is the ultimate act of strength and self-love. My goal is to meet each client where you are in your journey and provide trust, empathy and compassion to further explore your thoughts, emotions and experiences. I have supported those processing complex trauma, adverse childhood experiences, grief/loss, life transitions and strained family relationships. I have worked with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, mood disorders, codependency, chronic pain, self-harm and suicidal ideation. With a background in health and fitness, I bring awareness to one's physiological symptoms.
Margaret Zangrilli - Certified EMDR Therapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60304 (Online Only)
Many people avoid seeking help for fear that they or their children will be labeled. My motto is: "Peel off the labels and see the person underneath." I believe you are a person with unique needs, strengths, and challenges, that there are complex reasons you are living the life you are living today - AND, you can improve. Emotional pain and problems are just as natural and normal as physical pain and problems. When we let go of the labels we have about ourselves, our problems, or therapy in general, we can begin healing the pain and resolving the problems.
Many people avoid seeking help for fear that they or their children will be labeled. My motto is: "Peel off the labels and see the person underneath." I believe you are a person with unique needs, strengths, and challenges, that there are complex reasons you are living the life you are living today - AND, you can improve. Emotional pain and problems are just as natural and normal as physical pain and problems. When we let go of the labels we have about ourselves, our problems, or therapy in general, we can begin healing the pain and resolving the problems.
Jesenia Chavez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60302 (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 or 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 or 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.
See more therapy options for River Forest
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for River Forest
- Bensenville
- Berwyn
- Brookfield
- Cicero
- Elmhurst
- Elmwood Park
- Forest Park
- Franklin Park
- La Grange
- La Grange Park
- Oak Park
- Park Ridge
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.