This group is ideally suited for those looking for a comprehensive, supportive approach to managing pain, stress, and emotional challenges, while benefiting from a blend of therapeutic techniques and community support. Six week group starting October 6th. Check out https://www.mindbodyit.com/regulate for more info
Hosted by Lola Pittenger
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, MEd
Verified Verified
Group meets in Urbana, IL 61801
We can incorporate a simple tool-set to support lasting change and increase your quality of life while minimizing pain.
With a passion for holistic healing, my journey has led me to specialize in supporting individuals grappling with chronic illness and chronic pain with anxiety or depressive symptoms. I am on a mission to bridge the gap between the mind and body, empowering others to thrive in their holistic well-being.
This is a virtual support group that will be held over HIPPA-compliant Zoom. Chronic pain is inherently isolating. Over the course of 12 group sessions, this support group is intended to offer support through community, connection to peers who face similar struggles, and tangible skills to cope with and accept pain as a part of daily life. As the group facilitator, I have both personal and professional experience with chronic pain. Please email me directly to inquire about enrollment: lindsay@resiliencecounselingllc.com
I can also assist with learning self-advocacy in the medical world, brainstorm accommodations, and develop coping for when chronic pain or disability triggers feelings of hopelessness, depression, or anxiety.
Are you struggling with emotions, career, relationships, or chronic pain, but not sure how to move forward? As we've all experienced through the pandemic to certain degrees; life events can be unexpected, overwhelming, and traumatic. You deserve space to process what brings you to therapy with a professional who can validate your experiences and commit to working with you, at your pace, to develop solutions. I work from a culturally-aware, trauma-informed perspective to ensure that you feel seen and heard, and offer Art Therapy. Non-judgmental by nature, I collaborate with clients by building on strengths to overcome challenges.
This is an 8-week virtual Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) group focused on teaching individuals mind-body strategies, as well as providing support to better manage chronic pain. Participants can expect to learn strategies that can assist them in increasing activity and function without necessarily eliminating their pain. Sample skills taught include: strategies for accepting chronic pain, mindfulness based techniques, exploration of values, and methods for taking committed action to help decrease pain suffering while increasing agency in ones’ life.
I also have a training specialty in working with individuals adjusting to chronic medical conditions including completion of pre-surgical psychological evaluations for bariatric surgery, spinal cord stimulator, & pain pump placement.
My approach to therapy is holistic and incorporates the connection of the mind, body and emotions. Clients have described me as warm, supportive, non-judgmental and calm. My goal is to help better manage your thoughts, feelings, and to help you feel happier and healthier. I welcome the opportunity to join your journey to healing and recovery.
Living with chronic pain or illness can be overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone. Join our educational, experiential, and supportive group for those who have a chronic illness and / or experience chronic pain, We can help you understand and manage your symptoms, develop a stronger mind and body connection, find hope, and create a full life while being connected to what and who is most important to you. This group is for adults who are facing life while experiencing Chronic Pain and/or coping with an Illness ie: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn's, Lupus, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Kidney Disease, COPD, Cancer, etc.
Hosted by Colleen Koncilja
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC, ICGC-II, BACC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Bartlett, IL 60103
As a trauma & anxiety therapist I've helped adults for the past 30 years to: decrease anxiety and depression, heal from trauma and painful pasts, move through grief and mourning, create a full life despite chronic illness and/or chronic pain, improve relationships, change unhelpful behaviors, increase coping skills, and begin recovery from problem gambling.
Too often life brings us the unwanted, the unwelcomed, and the unexpected. These things are often deeply painful, cause us to struggle, increase our stress and overwhelm, and cause us to feel alone. If this is what you are experiencing, you don't have to be alone in it, - therapy can help. You deserve to be heard, cared for, and supported. Whether you are feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, being triggered by past trauma, or battling with chronic pain or illness, we can work together to untangle the things that hold you back, so you can create the life you want and deserve. You will be able to heal, grow, and thrive.
This is a safe and affirming Zoom community for "spoonies" to find mutual support. Here, we come together to share our lived experiences navigating the challenges of chronic illness and ableist social structures that impact our mental and emotional well-being. We work together to cultivate mindfulness and self-compassion skills that can support us in coping and managing challenges more effectively. Some insurance plans accepted; out of pocket cost per session is $40, and limited sliding scale spots are also available. Open to anyone residing in IL. Ongoing enrollment; we ask for at least a 6-session commitment, with the option to continue longer.
Hosted by Niki T Colon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AM, LSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60602
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.”
Intensives are highly focused and often require less time and overall cost with months of weekly therapy packed into hours and/or days. Feel better faster – Intensives are highly concentrated and focused so that you can make faster progress and lasting change NOW! No weekly appointments needed – You don’t need to schedule your life around weekly therapy. Therapeutic Body movement – My Intensives are unique in that I have added therapeutic healing through yoga, somatic practices, and bodywork to aid in releasing traumatic stress in the body.
Hosted by Sara Whalen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RYT200
Verified Verified
Group meets in Urbana, IL 61801
I use and promote evidence-based treatment approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MSBR), Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET), along with somatic based techniques.
I specialize in helping individuals soothe pain, anxiety, and stress as a residual from chronic illness or injury. Those diagnosed with chronic illness / chronic pain often have anxiety and depression surrounding their illness. This can contribute to sleepless nights, shameful feelings, self-blame, fear of social situations, isolation, and anger. Within our partnership we will create a new awareness and understanding of the impact your illness has had on your quality of life and how this has created your current internal narrative.
This is a safe and affirming Zoom community for "spoonies" to find mutual support. Here, we come together to share our lived experiences navigating the challenges of chronic illness and ableist social structures that impact our mental and emotional well-being. We work together to cultivate mindfulness and self-compassion skills that can support us in coping and managing challenges more effectively. Some insurance plans accepted; out of pocket cost per session is $40, and limited sliding scale spots are also available. Open to anyone residing in IL. Ongoing enrollment; we ask for at least a 6-session commitment, with the option to continue longer.
Hosted by Niki T Colon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AM, LSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60602
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.”
Telehealth group to support parents experiencing unexpected grief and/or traumatic loss. Meets once a week (probably Wednesdays at 10 am). Members first meet with Dr. Lombard individually, to ensure the group is a good fit for the level of support needed. Commitment to 6 sessions is expected, with longer participation possible.
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.
Group is open to anyone who wants to learn more about how to manage living with chronic illness and/or chronic pain. 1. Find connection with others with shared experiences. 2. Learn to cope with chronic illness and/or pain (including living with invisible illness or disability). 3. Learn ways to decrease the body's responses to gain better control and greater comfort. 4. Learn ways to become more at peace with the aspect of my illness I cannot change so that I can enjoy life more fully. 5. Learn how to self-advocate in the medical field.
Our small group practice of dedicated and compassionate therapists offers therapy for mood struggles, relationship challenges, self-harm, trauma recovery, chronic illnesses, chronic pain and more.
I have immediate openings! ! I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist. I specialize in Health Psychology with an emphasis on helping individuals who have experienced major medical events and acute/chronic medical difficulties or changes. I understand how scary such changes and adjustments can be, and am here to help you process and move forward with your life. I also am experienced in treating chronic pain, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, functional disorders, mood swings and bipolar disorders, relationship challenges, grief, and struggles specific to those with neurodevelopment differences such as autism.
This group is for adults who are facing life while experiencing Chronic Pain (chronic back pain, long term injury pain, arthritic, migraines, pain or pain from autoimmune illnesses etc) AND/OR coping with a Chronic Illness such as: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn's, Lupus, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Diabetes, Kidney Disease, COPD, Cancer, etc. Group will provide a supportive space to explore: feeling alone or unsupported, medical trauma recovery, medical care advocacy, loss & grief, acceptance of the unwanted etc. We will work together to find solutions to help you life a FULL LIFE with your pain and/or illness. VIRTUAL ONLINE GROUP
Hosted by Health and Healing Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCPC, LCSW, CADC, ICGC-II, BACC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Bartlett, IL 60103
We specialize in helping 1) teens and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, chronic illness and/or pain, OCD, problem gambling, school, work and/or relationship stressors.
You are not alone. We understand how difficult it is to feel overwhelmed and exhausted and believe you've run out of solutions. You may feel stuck, overwhelmed, unsure, and upset about the unwanted things that have and are happening around you. We are here and can help guide you, your child, teen, or partner to develop the insight, understanding, and skills necessary to make life better. All the stress, discomfort, and pain you now feel can reduce, you can feel better. Change, growth, and healing is possible for you.
I welcome you to a space where you can slow down, soothe your nervous system and nurture body, mind and spirit. Potential benefits of Restorative Yoga include anxiety and stress reduction, improved sleep, decreased pain and inflammation, and strengthened immune function. Restorative Yoga Class meets each Wednesday night from 7-8 pm. $20 per session, or $75 for five sessions.
First and foremost I am a journey-mate on this wild and crazy path we call life. I am passionate about helping myself and others tap into our innate goodness and the grandeur of our spirits. More than that, I desire for all of us to overcome fear and conditioning so that we can live into the fullness of our true selves. My work as a personal therapist, meditation teacher, and yoga instructor is geared to help nurture my fellow journey mates into their highest soul essence. My style is compassionate, empowering and directive.
Come join our support group dedicated to joining likeminded women, ages 20-40, who are experiencing persistent pelvic pain. You are not alone, nor should you be experiencing this alone. We offer confidential, unparalleled support to those in need.
Hosted by Amy ( Freier ) Moran
Counselor, LCPC, CST
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60602
I believe the most impactful element of our lives is our relationships, both with ourselves and our partners. As a counselor specializing in relational and sexual wellbeing, I work with individuals and couples to address common goals including enhancing the experience of sex and sexuality, improving empathy and emotional connection in a relationship, and reducing relational conflict. Working through these concerns can have an enormous impact on one's quality of life, as I have seen in working with clients courageous enough to do this deep work.
The Mindfulness/Meditation Group is an 10-week psychoeducational class designed to introduce participants to the theory and practice of Mindfulness. This interactive course will teach the concepts behind Mindfulness, offering various meditation techniques to become more present and actively aware with your emotions, thoughts and experiences. This Mindfulness/Meditation group can reduce anxiety and depression, lower blood pressure and improve overall well-being. Mindfulness is not a religious-based practice, but rather a secular, inclusive form of self care. The course is open to adults of all ages, with no previous meditation experience necessary.
Hosted by Center for Emotional Wellness of the Northwest
Counselor, CADC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Crystal Lake, IL 60014
At the Center for Emotional Wellness, we are committed to helping our clients live their best life. Our team of clinicians are devoted to providing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other best practices in treating diverse disorders affecting children, adolescents, and adults. We are continually working to bring the most effective and innovative techniques and approaches to our center in order to better serve the individuals and families in our community. With over 10 therapists, we will match each client with the clinician with the most appropriate style and expertise to match individual needs.
This monthly support group is dedicated to bringing folx (ages 20-40, vulva-owners) together who are experiencing persistent pelvic pain (e.g. endometriosis, vaginismus, and vulvodynia). This support group is for those with pelvic pain to have a place to talk honestly and openly about their thoughts and feelings related to pelvic pain. Our aim is to explore pelvic pain holistically, utilizing the benefits of peer support to help you better manage and reach your physical, emotional, and sexual goals. You are not alone nor should you be experiencing this alone. Group is currently virtual and open to all Illinois residents!
Hosted by Rebecca Patterson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60602
I am dedicated to helping clients of all identities and sexual preferences rewrite the relational narratives that are no longer in alignment with their values, life stage, or desires. I particularly enjoy working with clients who are healing from trauma, struggling with desire, or experiencing anxiety—helping to guide them in creating a more connected relationship with their full authentic selves. I also help couples mindfully navigate consensual non-monogamy, kink, BDSM, and other unique relational dynamics, and encourage clients to craft their own scripts that fit their unique relational landscape.
The Nia 5 Stages of Self-Healing is an integrative practice based on the five stages of human development: embryonic, creeping, crawling, standing, and walking. Each stage is a foundation for the next. Combined, all five stages help people to integrate physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. When practiced daily and in the correct sequence these stages facilitate optimal alignment and function. The practice will allow your body to naturally reclaim mobility, flexibility, strength, agility and stability. This practice provides a way for the body to take care of itself, to self-heal.
Hosted by Mihaela Campion
Counselor, MA, LCPC, CCDVC, Certifi, Daring
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60613
The ideal client is prepared for a new journey and experience.
Clients who work with me soon realize that their strength and freedom comes from within. They feel liberated from their emotional constrains and fears. Through therapy, my clients discover that "They" are the creators and drivers of their own lives. They experience emotional freedom that, in turn brings more balance in their lives. Clients achieve stress relief, improve their self-esteem and self-concept, and experience increased levels of satisfaction in their relationships. They experience an increased ability to work out conflicts in a constructive way.
Join Move Psychotherapist and EFT therapist, Lauren Jaimovich for a three-part EFT tapping series. Each session will incorporate a short introduction to the basics of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), followed by longer experiential exercises where you will be guided through several rounds of tapping on a specific intention. Register via our website!
Hosted by Move Therapy and Wellness
LCSW, TIYT, LPC, E-RYT, LCPC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chicago, IL 60613
We support adults and adults experiencing emotional challenges including chronic stress, anxiety, sadness and depression, low self-concept, self-doubt, feelings being stuck, overwhelmed or hopeless and struggles with identity development and relationship challenges.
Dr. Emily Ballard, OTD, OTR/L will use gross motor to improve and maintain participants' physical abilities, such as balance, coordination, endurance, and muscle strength, through fun and engaging activities. The group will develop fundamental motor skills and confidence to enhance their pariticpation in daily activities.
Hosted by Uniquely You Behavioral Health
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Group meets in New Lenox, IL 60451
Impulse control, forgetfulness and sensory issues can often impact the ability to fully engage in school, the workplace or our relationships. Do these issues affect your sense of self and self-acceptance? Perhaps you have a child, sibling, or partner who is neurodivergent. Often it can be a struggle to understand their unique needs resulting in increased stress and often an inability to connect with loved ones. Ever ask yourself, “How do I do this?” If any of this resonates with you, you are not alone. Navigating neurological differences (ADHD, Autism, OCD, LD, among others) can be a difficult, lonely, frustrating, and confusing
See more therapy options for Illinois
Chronic Pain Support Groups
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.