Chronic Pain therapists in Crystal Lake, Illinois IL

Chronic pain or illness can be so debilitating since the body is physically holding in all of the difficult and painful experiences in your life and manifesting them as this pain. Let's process through those difficult experiences, to help your body heal.  

BodyCentered Psychotherapy is a somatic and experiential therapy. We process core beliefs in mindfulness, not as intellectual problem-solving, but as direct dialogue with the unconscious through “felt sense” techniques. This establishes a relationship in which it is safe for the client to become self-aware. It allows us to rapidly access the unconscious beliefs and early experiences which shape our lives, relationships, and self-perceptions. The body is viewed as a “map of the psyche” – a door that can be opened to reveal the entire character and belief system of the individual. This creates an experiential route to core material, deepening therapy beyond insight and words and changes are integrated into the client’s immediate experience. When directly experienced, these patterns are available for transformation and re-integration. Stress Management Everyone encounters stress during their lives at one point—never-ending bills, demanding schedules, work, and family responsibilities—and that can make stress seem inescapable and uncontrollable. Stress management skills are designed to help a person take control of their lifestyle, thoughts, and emotions and teach them healthy ways to cope with their problems. Find the Cause The first step in stress management is identifying your stressors. While this sounds fairly easy—it’s not hard to point to major changes or a lot of work piling up—chronic stress can be complicated, and most people don’t realize how their habits contribute to their stress. Maybe work piling up isn’t from the actual demands of your job, but more so from your procrastination. You have to claim responsibility for the role you play in creating your stress or you won’t be able to control it. Strategies for Stress Management Once you’ve found what causes your stress, focus on what you can control. Eliminate the realistic stressors and develop consistent de-stressing habits. Instead of watching TV or responding to texts in bed after work - take a walk, or read a book. Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough quality sleep, will ease feelings of stress and help you relax. Also, make a conscious effort to set aside time for yourself and for relaxation. Alone time can be whatever you need it to be. Some people like doing activities such as tai chi, yoga, or meditation, but you can also treat yourself to something simple, like taking a bubble bath, listening to music, or watching a funny movie. Finally, don’t feel like you have to solve your stress on your own. Reach out to your family and friends. Whether you need help with a problem or just need someone to listen, find a person who will be there to positively reinforce and support you. If stress becomes chronic, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a therapist. Chronic Pain Some people experience chronic pain either from withdrawal from medications, life stressors, environmental issues, or medical issues. Chronic pain is pain (an unpleasant sense of discomfort) that persists or progresses over a long period of time. In contrast to acute pain that arises suddenly in response to a specific injury and is usually treatable, chronic pain persists over time and is often resistant to medical treatments. Chronic pain may be related to a number of different medical conditions including (but not limited to) previous trauma or injury. Chronic pain may worsen in response to environmental and/or psychological factors. There are a variety of treatment options for people with chronic pain. The goal of pain management is to provide symptom relief and improve an individual's level of functioning in daily activities. A number of types of medications have been used in the management of chronic pain, including acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, COX-2 inhibitors, antimigraine medications, and antidepressants. Non-pharmacologic treatments for chronic pain can include exercise, shiatsu physical therapy, acupressure, counseling, biofeedback, acupuncture, hypnosis, chiropractic medicine, and other treatments. This can be facilitated through body work or psychotherapy.  

Seeking help is a powerful step to improving your quality of life. Talking to someone about whatever your concerns are is something that almost anyone can benefit from, but many people are afraid to reach out. If you are considering therapy or coaching, I applaud you, and I really do want to help you find what you need to feel POWERFUL and help you develop the tools to have peace in your life. I enjoy working with diverse clients, and have treated patients on the inpatient as well as outpatient basis. I began providing therapy in 1996, and have worked full time in several local hospitals before deciding to work full time in outpatient private practice. Though I work with many populations, I enjoy helping individuals with issues of trauma as well as working with couples. I work with all age ranges and have helped clients with a range of diagnosis. I use a variety of techniques, including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and EMDR. I am also a Certified Hypnotist and a trained mediator.  

Managing chronic pain and illness exhausts many of the social and personal resources we have just to get through the day. Feelings of isolation and being alone in this struggle are insidious and can take away from our ability to remain connected to others and within ourselves. Whether it is not wanting to burden others with our struggle or feelings of hopelessness, people need to know (and feel) that they are valuable enough to continue to be cared for while also provided with space through encouragement that honors our autonomy.  

Our physical and emotional health are intimately connected. When you are living a body that is unreliable or in pain, that can create relationship stress, depression and anxiety. Throughout my career, I have focused on the unique challenges faced by patients or caregivers who are coping with serious illness.