Chronic Pain Therapists in Illinois
Are you experiencing challenges related to managing a chronic illness, coping with pain, adopting a healthier lifestyle, or adjusting to a new medical diagnosis? Are you feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or frustrated in handling these health challenges? Do you aspire for a more fulfilling life? As a dedicated health psychologist, I am passionate about empowering individuals to achieve holistic wellness by addressing both their physical and psychological needs. I believe in treating the whole person, recognizing the intricate interplay between physical health, mental well-being, and social factors.
Are you experiencing challenges related to managing a chronic illness, coping with pain, adopting a healthier lifestyle, or adjusting to a new medical diagnosis? Are you feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or frustrated in handling these health challenges? Do you aspire for a more fulfilling life? As a dedicated health psychologist, I am passionate about empowering individuals to achieve holistic wellness by addressing both their physical and psychological needs. I believe in treating the whole person, recognizing the intricate interplay between physical health, mental well-being, and social factors.
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 have over 30 years experience providing outpatient therapy and providing integrated psychological services in a large area hospital system. I specialize in Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine. With an emphasis on behavioral health using supportive, cognitive-behavioral therapy, I see patients with anxiety, stress, depression, chronic pain and fibromyalgia, eating disorders, weight loss, smoking cessation, headaches, marital discord, family discord, issues of aging, grief and loss, the psychological aspects of cancer treatment, coping with medical conditions, and managing diabetes. I am also a DBT therapist.
I have over 30 years experience providing outpatient therapy and providing integrated psychological services in a large area hospital system. I specialize in Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine. With an emphasis on behavioral health using supportive, cognitive-behavioral therapy, I see patients with anxiety, stress, depression, chronic pain and fibromyalgia, eating disorders, weight loss, smoking cessation, headaches, marital discord, family discord, issues of aging, grief and loss, the psychological aspects of cancer treatment, coping with medical conditions, and managing diabetes. I am also a DBT therapist.
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.
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 mark 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 mark 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.
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!
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.
Thrive Counseling and Wellness, PC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, LPC
Verified Verified
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
We understand how anxiety, chronic pain/illness, ADHD, autism and racial trauma can shape an individual in ways that create feelings of sadness, depression, anger, etc.
Thrive Counseling & Wellness was founded in 2020 with the idea that therapy doesn't have to be scary. Jen Koriath, LCPC, LPC, the practice owner (pictured), wanted to create a boutique private practice that focused on psychological wellness for those experiencing anxiety, trauma and chronic pain/illness. She herself has an autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis that lends to her ability to empathize truly with those experiencing a chronic condition. Dr. Nicol Igoche, PsyD, LSW, joined the practice in 2024 and she lends her expertise in treating clients with autism and ADHD spectrum as well as racial trauma among Black patients.
We understand how anxiety, chronic pain/illness, ADHD, autism and racial trauma can shape an individual in ways that create feelings of sadness, depression, anger, etc.
Thrive Counseling & Wellness was founded in 2020 with the idea that therapy doesn't have to be scary. Jen Koriath, LCPC, LPC, the practice owner (pictured), wanted to create a boutique private practice that focused on psychological wellness for those experiencing anxiety, trauma and chronic pain/illness. She herself has an autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis that lends to her ability to empathize truly with those experiencing a chronic condition. Dr. Nicol Igoche, PsyD, LSW, joined the practice in 2024 and she lends her expertise in treating clients with autism and ADHD spectrum as well as racial trauma among Black patients.
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.
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.
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.
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Carolyn Boyer
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Downers Grove, IL 60515
My areas of expertise include the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life-stressors, ADHD, and chronic pain.
Counseling is a collaborative process in which you should feel supported in navigating life's roadblocks, stressors, and transitions. The counseling relationship is a unique experience that propels individual flourishing by providing a safe and nurturing environment in which you can develop and practice skills to cultivate resiliency and personal growth. I believe in strength-based counseling, in which individual strengths and resources are developed and utilized to facilitate well-being and client collaboration to promote and achieve personal goals. The framework I utilize favors a cognitive approach with behavioral, mindfulness, and psychodynamic interventions to address specific areas of distress.
My areas of expertise include the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life-stressors, ADHD, and chronic pain.
Counseling is a collaborative process in which you should feel supported in navigating life's roadblocks, stressors, and transitions. The counseling relationship is a unique experience that propels individual flourishing by providing a safe and nurturing environment in which you can develop and practice skills to cultivate resiliency and personal growth. I believe in strength-based counseling, in which individual strengths and resources are developed and utilized to facilitate well-being and client collaboration to promote and achieve personal goals. The framework I utilize favors a cognitive approach with behavioral, mindfulness, and psychodynamic interventions to address specific areas of distress.
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.
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.
Melissa Ann Ferdman
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC, CCM, CRC
Verified Verified
Champaign, IL 61821
With over three decades of experience and advanced training in aging life care, I provide non-judgemental support in the assistance of pain and chronic illness, disabilities, life transitions, and all-encompassing grief counseling.
Sometimes life can be overwhelming. Are you an older adult struggling with managing your care, grief, or other areas of life? Are you a caregiver struggling to draw boundaries, dealing with grief, or stability? People generalize grief as the loss of a person. But reality is that grief has many forms. From loss of relationships, job loss, divorce, absence or pets. As time goes on and with the support of a licensed clinical professional counselor, these issues can become more manageable with commitment to therapy, a safe place, utilization of strategies and client strength-based approach.
With over three decades of experience and advanced training in aging life care, I provide non-judgemental support in the assistance of pain and chronic illness, disabilities, life transitions, and all-encompassing grief counseling.
Sometimes life can be overwhelming. Are you an older adult struggling with managing your care, grief, or other areas of life? Are you a caregiver struggling to draw boundaries, dealing with grief, or stability? People generalize grief as the loss of a person. But reality is that grief has many forms. From loss of relationships, job loss, divorce, absence or pets. As time goes on and with the support of a licensed clinical professional counselor, these issues can become more manageable with commitment to therapy, a safe place, utilization of strategies and client strength-based approach.
I completed my doctorate in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Schaumburg. I am passionate about women's issues and I developed a therapy program for reducing postpartum depression while increasing the mother-infant bond for my clinical research project. I obtained an emphasis in Health Psychology that included training in hypnosis, relaxation techniques, pain management, and stress reduction. Additionally, I have an extensive background in domestic violence ad sexual assault. My therapeutic approach is eclectic utilizing interpersonal psychotherapy, CBT, feminist theory, solutions focused therapy, and client centered therapy.
I completed my doctorate in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Schaumburg. I am passionate about women's issues and I developed a therapy program for reducing postpartum depression while increasing the mother-infant bond for my clinical research project. I obtained an emphasis in Health Psychology that included training in hypnosis, relaxation techniques, pain management, and stress reduction. Additionally, I have an extensive background in domestic violence ad sexual assault. My therapeutic approach is eclectic utilizing interpersonal psychotherapy, CBT, feminist theory, solutions focused therapy, and client centered therapy.
I am trained in clinical hypnosis and can utilize this to help people with weight management, smoking cessation, and pain issues.
Have you hit a point in your life where you feel like you’re spinning your wheels in a rut on the side of the road while the rest of life is flying past you? Would you like to feel that you have a handle on how to manage your life, rather than just fighting through the days? I work with the stress and anxiety that has touched so many lives, especially in this past year. I also work with people struggling with difficulties in their relationships, experiencing loss or loneliness, having trouble meeting goals, or a history of trauma. By listening to your life experiences and roadblocks we will begin to develop a big picture and a plan.
I am trained in clinical hypnosis and can utilize this to help people with weight management, smoking cessation, and pain issues.
Have you hit a point in your life where you feel like you’re spinning your wheels in a rut on the side of the road while the rest of life is flying past you? Would you like to feel that you have a handle on how to manage your life, rather than just fighting through the days? I work with the stress and anxiety that has touched so many lives, especially in this past year. I also work with people struggling with difficulties in their relationships, experiencing loss or loneliness, having trouble meeting goals, or a history of trauma. By listening to your life experiences and roadblocks we will begin to develop a big picture and a plan.
I am especially passionate about working with those struggling with chronic pain and chronic illness.
I utilize a wide array of therapeutic modalities when working with my clients, as I believe in tailoring my approach to each individual person. My clinical experience includes working with adolescents and adults in the following treatment settings: residential living facilities, schools, community agencies, and private practice. I have helped clients address and overcome a broad range of concerns such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, stress management, low self-esteem, body image concerns, major life transitions, and chronic health concerns.
I am especially passionate about working with those struggling with chronic pain and chronic illness.
I utilize a wide array of therapeutic modalities when working with my clients, as I believe in tailoring my approach to each individual person. My clinical experience includes working with adolescents and adults in the following treatment settings: residential living facilities, schools, community agencies, and private practice. I have helped clients address and overcome a broad range of concerns such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, stress management, low self-esteem, body image concerns, major life transitions, and chronic health concerns.
I work with individuals 18-65 with a wide variety of concerns including: depression, anxiety, grief, loss, PTSD, relationship issues, divorce, infertility, still births, cancer, chronic pain, and other medical and mental diagnoses.
I believe that success occurs when you feel safe and comfortable in therapy, therefore allowing you to utilize your sessions in the most effective way. Having a doctorate degree in clinical psychology (Psy.D.) signifies that I have been trained in numerous therapeutic orientations that are grounded in the latest research in the field of psychology. These approaches include: Psychodynamic Therapy, CBT, EMDR, Relational Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy and many others. This wide variety of training experiences enables me to tailor my treatment approach specifically to your situation, giving you more opportunity to have a successful outcome.
I work with individuals 18-65 with a wide variety of concerns including: depression, anxiety, grief, loss, PTSD, relationship issues, divorce, infertility, still births, cancer, chronic pain, and other medical and mental diagnoses.
I believe that success occurs when you feel safe and comfortable in therapy, therefore allowing you to utilize your sessions in the most effective way. Having a doctorate degree in clinical psychology (Psy.D.) signifies that I have been trained in numerous therapeutic orientations that are grounded in the latest research in the field of psychology. These approaches include: Psychodynamic Therapy, CBT, EMDR, Relational Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy and many others. This wide variety of training experiences enables me to tailor my treatment approach specifically to your situation, giving you more opportunity to have a successful outcome.
I work with individuals with PTSD, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, chronic pain, and extensive abuse history.
I would be honored to assist you in tuning into your body’s unique ability to heal from traumatic experiences. Perhaps you are realizing that you have been avoiding some much needed healing because of fear that it will be deeply painful. Luckily, that does not have to be the case. I firmly believe you can get through life with increased resiliency and confidence in your ability to not only survive, but ultimately thrive.
I work with individuals with PTSD, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, chronic pain, and extensive abuse history.
I would be honored to assist you in tuning into your body’s unique ability to heal from traumatic experiences. Perhaps you are realizing that you have been avoiding some much needed healing because of fear that it will be deeply painful. Luckily, that does not have to be the case. I firmly believe you can get through life with increased resiliency and confidence in your ability to not only survive, but ultimately thrive.
See more therapy options for Illinois
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.