Chronic Pain Therapists in River Forest, IL
Living with a chronic medical illness can be challenging.
Dr. Tiffany Taft is an international expert in chronic digestive illness, and Dr. Emily Edlynn is a pediatric psychologist, author, and part of the Psychologists Off the Clock podcast. Emily and Alix work with all ages, while Clark focuses on helping kids and young adults (we know it can be hard to find a male therapist for your son!)
Living with a chronic medical illness can be challenging.
Dr. Tiffany Taft is an international expert in chronic digestive illness, and Dr. Emily Edlynn is a pediatric psychologist, author, and part of the Psychologists Off the Clock podcast. Emily and Alix work with all ages, while Clark focuses on helping kids and young adults (we know it can be hard to find a male therapist for your son!)
My clients are often going thru a medical crisis, managing chronic pain or are dealing with a family member's illness.
I can be direct when needed and help clients find ways to communicate honestly and openly. If you are having trouble figuring out your next steps or need support to find the right direction, especially regarding medical issues, our sessions will help you find solutions and develop understanding for yourself and with others.
My clients are often going thru a medical crisis, managing chronic pain or are dealing with a family member's illness.
I can be direct when needed and help clients find ways to communicate honestly and openly. If you are having trouble figuring out your next steps or need support to find the right direction, especially regarding medical issues, our sessions will help you find solutions and develop understanding for yourself and with others.
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.
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 have also expanded my clientelle to include people who have long-term illness with pain.
I utilize both psychodynamic,cognitive behavioral methods and motivational therapy. I freqiuently employ a psychoeducational role. The most unique qualities of my practice are my knowledge of developmental needs , my knowledge of addictions, my knowledge of cultures and my knowledge of the educational system, including colleges and careers.
I have also expanded my clientelle to include people who have long-term illness with pain.
I utilize both psychodynamic,cognitive behavioral methods and motivational therapy. I freqiuently employ a psychoeducational role. The most unique qualities of my practice are my knowledge of developmental needs , my knowledge of addictions, my knowledge of cultures and my knowledge of the educational system, including colleges and careers.
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 use evidence-based treatment, such as CBT, ACT, and DBT in working with adolescents and adults. I specialize in anxiety disorders, especially generalized anxiety, health anxiety, panic disorder, and OCD. I also treat depression, trauma, parenting difficulties, and coping with medical illness.
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 use evidence-based treatment, such as CBT, ACT, and DBT in working with adolescents and adults. I specialize in anxiety disorders, especially generalized anxiety, health anxiety, panic disorder, and OCD. I also treat depression, trauma, parenting difficulties, and coping with medical illness.
Our therapists are empathic, supporting you in the experiences, memories, relationships, thoughts or feelings that cause discomfort or pain.
We use many years of experience to help you reach your goals by focusing on your strengths and using them as a platform for growth. With more than 30 years of direct, clinical experience, we are able to develop a comprehensive understanding of your world fairly quickly. We aim to help you find balance in your roles, process trauma, and reducing symptoms.
Our therapists are empathic, supporting you in the experiences, memories, relationships, thoughts or feelings that cause discomfort or pain.
We use many years of experience to help you reach your goals by focusing on your strengths and using them as a platform for growth. With more than 30 years of direct, clinical experience, we are able to develop a comprehensive understanding of your world fairly quickly. We aim to help you find balance in your roles, process trauma, and reducing symptoms.
Areas of special interest include: couples facing relational challenges, mothers and fathers working to find balance, separation and co-parenting, young adults, 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 and fathers working to find balance, separation and co-parenting, young adults, 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.
Many people struggle with codependency, dissociation, chronic pain, addictive behaviors, or relationship challenges rooted in early experiences - and it can feel overwhelming at times.
Hello! Accepting "remote clients" currently. I'm a trauma specialist with expertise in attachment and developmental trauma. Many clients come to me carrying the imprint of early family experiences that affect how they feel, relate, and cope. Using Somatic Experiencing, Polyvagal Theory, and a specialized integrative formula I've developed, I help clients resolve old patterns, reclaim safety, connection, and self-trust, and create lasting healing.
Many people struggle with codependency, dissociation, chronic pain, addictive behaviors, or relationship challenges rooted in early experiences - and it can feel overwhelming at times.
Hello! Accepting "remote clients" currently. I'm a trauma specialist with expertise in attachment and developmental trauma. Many clients come to me carrying the imprint of early family experiences that affect how they feel, relate, and cope. Using Somatic Experiencing, Polyvagal Theory, and a specialized integrative formula I've developed, I help clients resolve old patterns, reclaim safety, connection, and self-trust, and create lasting healing.
Leslie Frame-Crowley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. She graduated from Simmons University in Boston. Leslie approaches the therapeutic relationship from a client-centered perspective, believing that the client is the expert of their experience. Being a social worker, Leslie also maintains a person-in-environment perspective, meaning we are shaped by and always affecting the ecosystems of which we are a part. In her spare time, Leslie enjoys walking, socializing, community-making, writing, performance art, and exploring her hometown of Chicago.
Leslie Frame-Crowley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. She graduated from Simmons University in Boston. Leslie approaches the therapeutic relationship from a client-centered perspective, believing that the client is the expert of their experience. Being a social worker, Leslie also maintains a person-in-environment perspective, meaning we are shaped by and always affecting the ecosystems of which we are a part. In her spare time, Leslie enjoys walking, socializing, community-making, writing, performance art, and exploring her hometown of Chicago.
Chronic Disease Support: Living with a chronic illness can be overwhelming for you and your family.
Are depression, anxiety, panic, or fears keeping you from reaching your goals? For over 30 years I have helped people like you in a comfortable, supportive environment where you can feel truly understood.
Areas of Focus –
Depression and anxiety
Chronic disease management
Nicotine/tobacco cessation
Personal, relationship, and work-related challenges
Chronic Disease Support: Living with a chronic illness can be overwhelming for you and your family.
Are depression, anxiety, panic, or fears keeping you from reaching your goals? For over 30 years I have helped people like you in a comfortable, supportive environment where you can feel truly understood.
Areas of Focus –
Depression and anxiety
Chronic disease management
Nicotine/tobacco cessation
Personal, relationship, and work-related challenges
Outside of his clinical practice, Dr. Amundson enjoys long-distance bicycle touring, reading, writing, and publishing. He also has a deep appreciation for Japanese film.
Outside of his clinical practice, Dr. Amundson enjoys long-distance bicycle touring, reading, writing, and publishing. He also has a deep appreciation for Japanese film.
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.
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.
Supporting young people in finding their voice, confidence, and resilience.
Growing up can feel overwhelming — and so can parenting through it. I work with children, teens, and their families to help navigate the challenges of anxiety, depression, ADHD, self-esteem, trauma, school struggles, and family conflict. My approach is warm, collaborative, and creative, meeting each person where they’re at.
Supporting young people in finding their voice, confidence, and resilience.
Growing up can feel overwhelming — and so can parenting through it. I work with children, teens, and their families to help navigate the challenges of anxiety, depression, ADHD, self-esteem, trauma, school struggles, and family conflict. My approach is warm, collaborative, and creative, meeting each person where they’re at.
Julia Sostrin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. Julia meets clients where they are at, with more than a decade working with multiple diagnoses and disorders. She uses integrative and eclectic approaches in order to help clients find resolutions to issues and identify patterns which may be causing them issues. Julia has worked at all levels of care and often will employ modalities and treatment approach which best fit for the client in front of her. She will do this to help them move at a speed they can feel comfortable and happy with to make the progress they hope to see.
Julia Sostrin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. Julia meets clients where they are at, with more than a decade working with multiple diagnoses and disorders. She uses integrative and eclectic approaches in order to help clients find resolutions to issues and identify patterns which may be causing them issues. Julia has worked at all levels of care and often will employ modalities and treatment approach which best fit for the client in front of her. She will do this to help them move at a speed they can feel comfortable and happy with to make the progress they hope to see.
Even in the midst of illness, moments of clarity and connection are possible.
Cancer and other serious illnesses turn your life upside down. Routines shift, emotions swell, and unpredictability puts you on edge. Whether you’re the one facing a diagnosis yourself or you’re the loved one trying to stay strong, it’s understandable to feel scared, tired, or unsure of what comes next. I understand this path both professionally and personally – as a daughter, sister, and mother of cancer patients. I’ve felt those long nights, the constant worry, and the quiet hope that carries you forward. You need a therapist who can meet you right there – in the
middle of the chaos – with calm, compassion, and perspective.
Even in the midst of illness, moments of clarity and connection are possible.
Cancer and other serious illnesses turn your life upside down. Routines shift, emotions swell, and unpredictability puts you on edge. Whether you’re the one facing a diagnosis yourself or you’re the loved one trying to stay strong, it’s understandable to feel scared, tired, or unsure of what comes next. I understand this path both professionally and personally – as a daughter, sister, and mother of cancer patients. I’ve felt those long nights, the constant worry, and the quiet hope that carries you forward. You need a therapist who can meet you right there – in the
middle of the chaos – with calm, compassion, and perspective.
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 draw from cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, and psychodynamic approaches to individualize my therapeutic approach to best address your issues and symptoms. I see adolescents, young adults, adults, and older adults from diverse backgrounds.
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 draw from cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, and psychodynamic approaches to individualize my therapeutic approach to best address your issues and symptoms. I see adolescents, young adults, adults, and older adults from diverse backgrounds.
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 help clients find greater fulfillment from life and their relationships. My therapeutic style is collaborative, warm, empathetic, culturally sensitive, strength-based and client-centered. As a former medical social worker in oncology, 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 help clients find greater fulfillment from life and their relationships. My therapeutic style is collaborative, warm, empathetic, culturally sensitive, strength-based and client-centered. As a former medical social worker in oncology, I am experienced in helping families cope through the many emotional and practical challenges a medical diagnosis and treatment can bring.
More Therapists Nearby
A behavioral approach is well suited to clients with chronic medical conditions, such as pain, headaches, diabetes, heart failure, and cancer, as well as episodic problems, such as insomnia.
As a health psychologist, I work with clients who have physical and emotional conditions that are getting in the way of being able to live the lives they want. I help clients identify and follow through on changes they can make to improve their well-being. I use a behavioral approach supplemented with biofeedback and hypnosis. I also work with couples who are struggling to find ways to get closer together and feel like they are truly partners in their relationship. The key to my approach is to find effective ways to get what you want from your life.
A behavioral approach is well suited to clients with chronic medical conditions, such as pain, headaches, diabetes, heart failure, and cancer, as well as episodic problems, such as insomnia.
As a health psychologist, I work with clients who have physical and emotional conditions that are getting in the way of being able to live the lives they want. I help clients identify and follow through on changes they can make to improve their well-being. I use a behavioral approach supplemented with biofeedback and hypnosis. I also work with couples who are struggling to find ways to get closer together and feel like they are truly partners in their relationship. The key to my approach is to find effective ways to get what you want from your life.
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 Park
- Norridge
- Oak Park
- Westchester
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.