Photo of Joy Myong, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago, IL
Joy Myong
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60622
Feeling crippled by anxiety, chronic pain, depression, an illness or injury? Know that you are not alone and help is available! Whether your struggle is addiction, ADHD, debilitating physical/emotional pain, or simply feeling lost, overwhelmed, helpless - it is possible to find your way back to feeling good again. We live in an amazing time where we can access a wide range of resources to bring our body-mind-soul into balance and align with a life of purpose and meaning.
Feeling crippled by anxiety, chronic pain, depression, an illness or injury? Know that you are not alone and help is available! Whether your struggle is addiction, ADHD, debilitating physical/emotional pain, or simply feeling lost, overwhelmed, helpless - it is possible to find your way back to feeling good again. We live in an amazing time where we can access a wide range of resources to bring our body-mind-soul into balance and align with a life of purpose and meaning.
(331) 239-1398 View (331) 239-1398
Photo of Private Practice Yoga Therapy, LLC, Psychologist in Chicago, IL
Private Practice Yoga Therapy, LLC
Psychologist, PsyD, C-IAYT
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60605
I offer an integration of psychotherapy and Yoga Therapy in tandem sessions. I am both a licensed health psychologist and a certified yoga therapist. My clients tend to be high functioning adults seeking private holistic therapy and pain relief. I assist with relationships, stress, back pain, neck pain, sports injuries, physical disabilities and medical conditions. Supported yoga postures, proper alignment, and longer holds facilitate deeper feeling, fuller opening, greater release. Yoga Therapy enhances rehabilitation of injuries naturally using gravity, tensegrity and breath to improve circulation and create more space in tight joints, relieving tension and fatigue, facilitating clarity and insight.
I offer an integration of psychotherapy and Yoga Therapy in tandem sessions. I am both a licensed health psychologist and a certified yoga therapist. My clients tend to be high functioning adults seeking private holistic therapy and pain relief. I assist with relationships, stress, back pain, neck pain, sports injuries, physical disabilities and medical conditions. Supported yoga postures, proper alignment, and longer holds facilitate deeper feeling, fuller opening, greater release. Yoga Therapy enhances rehabilitation of injuries naturally using gravity, tensegrity and breath to improve circulation and create more space in tight joints, relieving tension and fatigue, facilitating clarity and insight.
(312) 248-7204 View (312) 248-7204
Photo of Meg Kelleher, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chicago, IL
Meg Kelleher
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60645  (Online Only)
I provide individual counseling with specializations including creativity development, depression, anxiety, trauma, loss and grief recovery, pain management, LGBTQ issues, sexuality (from a sex-positive, kink-aware perspective), gender concerns, young adults, body image, disability and chronic illness, work/educational challenges, and life transitions.
As Oscar Wilde once said, "One's real life is so often the life that one does not lead." But, for you, today can be your first step on a path of authenticity, growth, interpersonal connection, and greater ease in your body. As a licensed clinical social worker and practicing 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, self-aware, and generative existence—all while feeling at home somatically.
I provide individual counseling with specializations including creativity development, depression, anxiety, trauma, loss and grief recovery, pain management, LGBTQ issues, sexuality (from a sex-positive, kink-aware perspective), gender concerns, young adults, body image, disability and chronic illness, work/educational challenges, and life transitions.
As Oscar Wilde once said, "One's real life is so often the life that one does not lead." But, for you, today can be your first step on a path of authenticity, growth, interpersonal connection, and greater ease in your body. As a licensed clinical social worker and practicing 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, self-aware, and generative existence—all while feeling at home somatically.
(773) 530-3754 View (773) 530-3754
Photo of Maira Iqbal, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chicago, IL
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.
(224) 529-3669 View (224) 529-3669
Photo of Kristina Fyrwald, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chicago, IL
Kristina Fyrwald
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60602
I enjoy working with adolescents and adults facing a wide range of challenges including substance abuse, trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic pain/illness and relationship issues. I enjoy helping clients move through and heal whatever it is that's keeping them stuck and from moving forward in the areas of their life they desire more from (relationships, career, health, purpose). My goal is to help my clients connect to their most authentic self to live their happiest and most connected lives.
I enjoy working with adolescents and adults facing a wide range of challenges including substance abuse, trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic pain/illness and relationship issues. I enjoy helping clients move through and heal whatever it is that's keeping them stuck and from moving forward in the areas of their life they desire more from (relationships, career, health, purpose). My goal is to help my clients connect to their most authentic self to live their happiest and most connected lives.
(312) 487-4386 View (312) 487-4386
Photo of Kelly Pastori, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago, IL
Kelly Pastori
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60622
Trauma and abuse: spiritual, emotional, sexual, physical, racial; Nervous system psychoeducation, anxiety/depression; Boundaries and codependency; Sexual identity development, Evangelical fundamentalist Purity culture recovery; White identity development; Chronic illness, unidentified physical pain and stress, psychosomatic stress.
At the heart of my work, I approach therapy from a relational, psychodynamic therapy model, which means I believe the relationship between the client and therapist can be a transformative component in the growth process. I am a LPC combining modern neurobiology with holistic somatic healing, the psychodynamic therapeutic relationship, and body-based practices to create an experiential awakening on a bodily, psychological and emotional level. I work from a somatic-centered therapeutic approach, meaning that I believe that the body tells the stories and narratives. For more information, my website is: www.kellypastori.com
Trauma and abuse: spiritual, emotional, sexual, physical, racial; Nervous system psychoeducation, anxiety/depression; Boundaries and codependency; Sexual identity development, Evangelical fundamentalist Purity culture recovery; White identity development; Chronic illness, unidentified physical pain and stress, psychosomatic stress.
At the heart of my work, I approach therapy from a relational, psychodynamic therapy model, which means I believe the relationship between the client and therapist can be a transformative component in the growth process. I am a LPC combining modern neurobiology with holistic somatic healing, the psychodynamic therapeutic relationship, and body-based practices to create an experiential awakening on a bodily, psychological and emotional level. I work from a somatic-centered therapeutic approach, meaning that I believe that the body tells the stories and narratives. For more information, my website is: www.kellypastori.com
(512) 598-5003 View (512) 598-5003
Photo of Luke Duroc-Danner, Pre-Licensed Professional in Chicago, IL
Luke Duroc-Danner
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60626
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.
(224) 313-0375 View (224) 313-0375
Photo of Jodie M. NewDelman, Psychologist in Chicago, IL
Jodie M. NewDelman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60610
Who you are is MUCH more than struggle and pain.
Dr. NewDelman's practice, Essensuate Psychology Group, APC includes solution-focused psychotherapists. Each provider brings their own sensibility but all engage clients who are ready to face the burden 'stuckness,' deepen their awareness, transform their mindset, and change their lives. The practice is dedicated to integrated care and each client's unique context. We offer a safe, confidential, and trusted alliance where our clients can process painful personal issues, difficult experiences, challenging memories, and persistent conflict. We also explore the reality of our clients' true inner resources to provoke meaningful shifts
Who you are is MUCH more than struggle and pain.
Dr. NewDelman's practice, Essensuate Psychology Group, APC includes solution-focused psychotherapists. Each provider brings their own sensibility but all engage clients who are ready to face the burden 'stuckness,' deepen their awareness, transform their mindset, and change their lives. The practice is dedicated to integrated care and each client's unique context. We offer a safe, confidential, and trusted alliance where our clients can process painful personal issues, difficult experiences, challenging memories, and persistent conflict. We also explore the reality of our clients' true inner resources to provoke meaningful shifts
(628) 209-6714 View (628) 209-6714
Photo of CFC Therapy Group, Counselor in Chicago, IL
CFC Therapy Group
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60614
Accepting new clients in-person or virtual. Our approach is goal-oriented at all levels and we truly believe everyone deserves to be free from the things holding them back. At CFC you will find a team of therapists who truly care. We take our time to get to know our clients and create goals that we can support you with. Whether it is you and your partner seeking intimacy or you are looking for relief from anxiety that doesn't seem to ever go away; we are here to help. Our motto is to walk beside our clients and share in this journey. We have 3 EMDR trained therapists, 4 couples counselors, a somatic pain specialist, and 3 interns.
Accepting new clients in-person or virtual. Our approach is goal-oriented at all levels and we truly believe everyone deserves to be free from the things holding them back. At CFC you will find a team of therapists who truly care. We take our time to get to know our clients and create goals that we can support you with. Whether it is you and your partner seeking intimacy or you are looking for relief from anxiety that doesn't seem to ever go away; we are here to help. Our motto is to walk beside our clients and share in this journey. We have 3 EMDR trained therapists, 4 couples counselors, a somatic pain specialist, and 3 interns.
(872) 713-5402 View (872) 713-5402
Photo of Hilary Jordan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chicago, IL
Hilary Jordan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60640
We all have the capacity to heal. From difficult relationships, anxiety, depression, chronic stress and/or pain, parenting challenges, infertility, traumatic life experiences, or other sources of distress. You have the capacity to heal. To live your most extraordinary life each and every day. To live wholly. People usually enter therapy because something important isn't working in their lives. Though healing work sometimes feels lonely, particularly when you first begin, you do not have to begin this journey alone. With the right guidance, the work can quickly become empowering, energizing, even enlightening, as you begin to have access to your whole self once again.
We all have the capacity to heal. From difficult relationships, anxiety, depression, chronic stress and/or pain, parenting challenges, infertility, traumatic life experiences, or other sources of distress. You have the capacity to heal. To live your most extraordinary life each and every day. To live wholly. People usually enter therapy because something important isn't working in their lives. Though healing work sometimes feels lonely, particularly when you first begin, you do not have to begin this journey alone. With the right guidance, the work can quickly become empowering, energizing, even enlightening, as you begin to have access to your whole self once again.
(773) 303-6477 View (773) 303-6477
Photo of Rae McDaniel: Queer Therapist, Counselor in Chicago, IL
Rae McDaniel: Queer Therapist
Counselor, MEd, LCPC, CST
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60647
My specializations include transgender/non-binary folks, sex therapy, LGBTQ population, trauma, sexual pain, PTSD, and kink/poly-affirming care.
As a Gender and Certified Sex Therapist, I work with folks like you feeling anxious and lost about a transition you're experiencing in sex, gender, sexual identity, or relationships. I'm here to help folks move from surviving to thriving.
My specializations include transgender/non-binary folks, sex therapy, LGBTQ population, trauma, sexual pain, PTSD, and kink/poly-affirming care.
As a Gender and Certified Sex Therapist, I work with folks like you feeling anxious and lost about a transition you're experiencing in sex, gender, sexual identity, or relationships. I'm here to help folks move from surviving to thriving.
View
Photo of Helen Wyatt, Marriage & Family Therapist in Chicago, IL
Helen Wyatt
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60618
Waitlist for new clients
You get a pit in your stomach when you think about, discuss, or engage in sex; you no longer or never enjoyed it. You have pain, erection, arousal, or orgasm issues and feel stuck. You're curious about trying on a sexual identity or playing in kink/BDSM. You have out-of control or shameful behaviors, dilemmas, porn use, or masturbation problems. You don’t know how to talk to your partner(s) about sex, let alone pulling their load more at home. Religion or the feeling of shame greatly limits you. You just can’t communicate. You can’t trust or forgive them – you’re too hurt and angry. Let me engage you in sex and relationship therapy.
You get a pit in your stomach when you think about, discuss, or engage in sex; you no longer or never enjoyed it. You have pain, erection, arousal, or orgasm issues and feel stuck. You're curious about trying on a sexual identity or playing in kink/BDSM. You have out-of control or shameful behaviors, dilemmas, porn use, or masturbation problems. You don’t know how to talk to your partner(s) about sex, let alone pulling their load more at home. Religion or the feeling of shame greatly limits you. You just can’t communicate. You can’t trust or forgive them – you’re too hurt and angry. Let me engage you in sex and relationship therapy.
(872) 713-5412 View (872) 713-5412
Photo of Shaye Mueller, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago, IL
Shaye Mueller
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMHC-A, ATR-P, MA
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60660  (Online Only)
I always say- words are clumsy! Oftentimes, they don't feel sufficient enough to capture the full essence of your pain, triumphs, and experiences.
If you are tired of talking in circles, feel burnt out, and stuck, then you've come to the right place! My clients are people who feel ready to explore their lives through something more than just talking. I use a body-centered and arts-based approach so that you can dive deeper, break free from toxic cycles, and make meaningful change in your life. While I am an art therapist, art is not required for us to work together. You set the pace and I will meet you where you're at. I specialize in helping those with anxiety, life changes, relationship problems, trauma, cycle breaking, depression, & perinatal issues.
I always say- words are clumsy! Oftentimes, they don't feel sufficient enough to capture the full essence of your pain, triumphs, and experiences.
If you are tired of talking in circles, feel burnt out, and stuck, then you've come to the right place! My clients are people who feel ready to explore their lives through something more than just talking. I use a body-centered and arts-based approach so that you can dive deeper, break free from toxic cycles, and make meaningful change in your life. While I am an art therapist, art is not required for us to work together. You set the pace and I will meet you where you're at. I specialize in helping those with anxiety, life changes, relationship problems, trauma, cycle breaking, depression, & perinatal issues.
(773) 232-5723 View (773) 232-5723
Photo of Kyra Keuben, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chicago, IL
Kyra Keuben
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60618  (Online Only)
Additionally, I specialize in supporting those coping with burnout as well as chronic illness.
"Be what you are becoming, without clinging to what you might have been, what you might yet be." Our relationship is an opportunity for you to take up space and fill concert halls.  It is easy for us to view our lives like a piece of sheet music and get caught up in the theory. As a result, we end up missing the beautiful symphony all around up. I want to create a space with you where you don't have to worry about being too much. Our space will be warm, protected, and healing. I want us to create a space where you get to live your life on your own terms.
Additionally, I specialize in supporting those coping with burnout as well as chronic illness.
"Be what you are becoming, without clinging to what you might have been, what you might yet be." Our relationship is an opportunity for you to take up space and fill concert halls.  It is easy for us to view our lives like a piece of sheet music and get caught up in the theory. As a result, we end up missing the beautiful symphony all around up. I want to create a space with you where you don't have to worry about being too much. Our space will be warm, protected, and healing. I want us to create a space where you get to live your life on your own terms.
(312) 906-7049 View (312) 906-7049
Photo of Anastasia McRae, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chicago, IL
Anastasia McRae
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MDiv, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60615
I work with adults looking to transmute past traumas, relationship conflict, career or personal crisis, chronic pain management, academic stagnation, general uncertainty, and issues around sexual orientation and lifestyle.
You and I meet when you have a notion that you want to be different. For whatever reason, you have found yourself seeking change in behavior, perspective, or attitude. Whether you feel alone or are lonely; in need of a healing, reflective mirror to other possibilities of yourself; want more depth in your relationships with self and others; or are needing to explore options of how to view and be in the world, this is a path we can walk together. I work best with people wanting to access the wisdom of their whole selves, people who are willing to entertain the opportunity and challenge of being, here, now. That's when you and I meet.
I work with adults looking to transmute past traumas, relationship conflict, career or personal crisis, chronic pain management, academic stagnation, general uncertainty, and issues around sexual orientation and lifestyle.
You and I meet when you have a notion that you want to be different. For whatever reason, you have found yourself seeking change in behavior, perspective, or attitude. Whether you feel alone or are lonely; in need of a healing, reflective mirror to other possibilities of yourself; want more depth in your relationships with self and others; or are needing to explore options of how to view and be in the world, this is a path we can walk together. I work best with people wanting to access the wisdom of their whole selves, people who are willing to entertain the opportunity and challenge of being, here, now. That's when you and I meet.
(312) 219-9197 View (312) 219-9197
Photo of Rachel Sherron, Counselor in Chicago, IL
Rachel Sherron
Counselor, LCPC, RYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60647
Our tension, our posture, and how we move are all closely related to our thoughts and emotional pain.
You deserve to live a life with a calm and focused mind, a relaxed body, and a sense of wellbeing. Sessions with me involve a collaborative approach to help you improve relationships, ease your racing mind, relax physical tension, and live a more balanced life. Whether it be work stress, trauma, challenging relationships or addictive behaviors, I will help you explore the issues you are facing.
Our tension, our posture, and how we move are all closely related to our thoughts and emotional pain.
You deserve to live a life with a calm and focused mind, a relaxed body, and a sense of wellbeing. Sessions with me involve a collaborative approach to help you improve relationships, ease your racing mind, relax physical tension, and live a more balanced life. Whether it be work stress, trauma, challenging relationships or addictive behaviors, I will help you explore the issues you are facing.
View
Photo of Anabel Martinez, Counselor in Chicago, IL
Anabel Martinez
Counselor, MS, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60637
While I specialize in treating individuals struggling with trauma and complex family system dynamics, my experiences have contributed to being well-rounded and skilled in working with crisis, family and marital, attachment, depression, grief, anxiety, stress, cultural adjustment, substance-use, behavioral, mood, and other chronic mental illness disorders.
As you begin your journey in therapy, let me walk you briefly through my journey. I have experience providing services in community-based settings, schools, and hospitals. I am certified as a trauma-informed yoga practitioner and as a Racial Healing Circle practitioner through TRHT. I value the benefit of integrating these practices with therapy to enhance a holistic healing. In my personal and professional life, I value self-care and self-compassion through the practice of mindful body-movement therapy. I am intentional about creating balance and listening to your needs.
While I specialize in treating individuals struggling with trauma and complex family system dynamics, my experiences have contributed to being well-rounded and skilled in working with crisis, family and marital, attachment, depression, grief, anxiety, stress, cultural adjustment, substance-use, behavioral, mood, and other chronic mental illness disorders.
As you begin your journey in therapy, let me walk you briefly through my journey. I have experience providing services in community-based settings, schools, and hospitals. I am certified as a trauma-informed yoga practitioner and as a Racial Healing Circle practitioner through TRHT. I value the benefit of integrating these practices with therapy to enhance a holistic healing. In my personal and professional life, I value self-care and self-compassion through the practice of mindful body-movement therapy. I am intentional about creating balance and listening to your needs.
(312) 820-9154 x232 View (312) 820-9154 x232
Photo of Chih-Hsien Lin, Counselor in Chicago, IL
Chih-Hsien Lin
Counselor, MA, LCPC, BC-DMT, EMDR, MPA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60660
I have specialized skills and know how to work with different movement dynamics, somatic contemplation, and the power of touch and mindfulness to release trauma, pain, anxiety, negative perceptions of self, and other types of developmental suffering.
Suffering is often the result of less than nurturing relationships and experiences. Fear can become imprisoned in the body. Family and culture can dictate how safe it is, or not safe, to express and be yourself. My immigrant experience from Taiwan allows me deeper empathy with people navigating life transitions and relating to different cultures and new relationships. At Embodied Way Psychotherapy PLLC, I strive to empower individuals within the context of systemic injustice and complications. My work is to provide compassion and wisdom so that you can feel fully alive and authentic in your body, your world and your relationships.
I have specialized skills and know how to work with different movement dynamics, somatic contemplation, and the power of touch and mindfulness to release trauma, pain, anxiety, negative perceptions of self, and other types of developmental suffering.
Suffering is often the result of less than nurturing relationships and experiences. Fear can become imprisoned in the body. Family and culture can dictate how safe it is, or not safe, to express and be yourself. My immigrant experience from Taiwan allows me deeper empathy with people navigating life transitions and relating to different cultures and new relationships. At Embodied Way Psychotherapy PLLC, I strive to empower individuals within the context of systemic injustice and complications. My work is to provide compassion and wisdom so that you can feel fully alive and authentic in your body, your world and your relationships.
(224) 601-5054 View (224) 601-5054
Photo of Jane H Niermann, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chicago, IL
Jane H Niermann
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60625
Waitlist for new clients
This can include coping with a wide range of issues including; mental illness, addictions, trauma, career hurdles, and relationship stresses.
Are you ready to feel better? Change can be hard, and possible and rewarding. I provide a safe, non-judgmental place to learn about yourself and the changes you'd like to make. I focus on the mind-body connection, specifically in understanding its role in learning to cope with stress, trauma, and relationship issues. I use talk therapy, EMDR, and humor to help you make positive changes, overcome obstacles, and learn how to change unhelpful thinking patterns, all the while improving self esteem and relationships.
This can include coping with a wide range of issues including; mental illness, addictions, trauma, career hurdles, and relationship stresses.
Are you ready to feel better? Change can be hard, and possible and rewarding. I provide a safe, non-judgmental place to learn about yourself and the changes you'd like to make. I focus on the mind-body connection, specifically in understanding its role in learning to cope with stress, trauma, and relationship issues. I use talk therapy, EMDR, and humor to help you make positive changes, overcome obstacles, and learn how to change unhelpful thinking patterns, all the while improving self esteem and relationships.
(773) 389-1939 View (773) 389-1939
Photo of Sarah Razo, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chicago, IL
Sarah Razo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60630
Life pulls us in all different directions. Sometimes the direction is exciting and sometimes it's overwhelming. I'd be honored to help you walk through the parts of life that feel like too much. I specialize in working with people dealing with trauma, chronic illness, grief, and people who care for others. I work with a trauma informed approach and somatic approach to help you reach your goals.
Life pulls us in all different directions. Sometimes the direction is exciting and sometimes it's overwhelming. I'd be honored to help you walk through the parts of life that feel like too much. I specialize in working with people dealing with trauma, chronic illness, grief, and people who care for others. I work with a trauma informed approach and somatic approach to help you reach your goals.
(773) 378-9382 View (773) 378-9382

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.