Chronic Pain or Illness

Chronic pain is considered to be any pain that lasts longer than six months. Chronic pain might start with an injury or an illness, although many people suffer chronic pain without any past injury or evidence of illness. Chronic pain may come and go and can range from mild to agonizing. In addition to the physical symptoms, chronic pain can take an emotional toll. Individuals suffering from chronic pain are more likely to feel depressed, irritable or anxious and may experience other related symptoms, such as insomnia. If you are dealing with pain that won’t go away, a mental health professional can help you learn ways of coping.

Local experts in Chronic Pain or Illness

Margaret McNeal (she/her)

Professional Counselor Associate

MA

During my early 20s, I suffered from Lyme disease. It can be challenging to find a therapist sympathetic to health challenges, I know. Chronic illness can affect every aspect of one's life and identity. Together, we will tend both your outer and inner experiences of illness. In doing so, we will learn the language of the body and bring awareness to messages and meaning in your symptoms, while supporting you through daily challenges, too.

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Julie Sliga (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

MS, CRC, LPC

I have 15 years of experience in the field of vocational rehabilitation counseling and have experience working with individuals with chronic pain, chronic illness, musculoskeletal conditions, and physical disabilities. In addition, I have experience working with individuals with sensory disabilities, traumatic brain injury, and cognitive disabilities.

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Ryja (Rylan Jay) Testa (he/him)

Clinical Psychologist

PhD; Psychologist Licensed in OR and CA

- Experience healing from and working with people healing from chronic diseases and poorly understood conditions such as chronic fatigue, multiple chemical sensitivity, mold toxicity, nervous system dysregulation/imbalance, dysautonomia, Lyme, and chronic pain - Experience working with clients with terminal illnesses - Doctoral Internship rotations in behavioral medicine - Experience providing group therapy for veterans with chronic pain and insomnia

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Clista Prelle-Tworek (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

MS, LPC, CADC III

I am trained in Addiction-free management and offer a holistic approach to health and wellness with strategies to understand and relieve pain patterns. It is possible to cope more effectively and live a full life that also has joy!

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Kir Rian (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

MA, MFA, Licensed Professional Counselor/OR, Licensed Mental Health Counselor/WA

Managing fears, unknowns, and the healthcare and medical systems is exhausting and can be frustrating. Often, we are also managing the emotions of those around us. We are continuing to work, raise kids, deal with financial implications, and trying to live a "normal" life despite physical or physiological manifestations, and despite a myriad of other factors unique to everyone's specific circumstance. As with grief, it can be isolating and our community often doesn't support in the way we need.

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Brittany England

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

LMFT, MA in Counseling

Mind-Body healing professionals and the field of neuroscience believes that there is no separation of the mind/brain and body. They deeply influence one another. This means that your symptoms likely have an emotional root. I work with clients who have chronic pain /illness who continue to have symptoms despite medical treatment. We work to identify past experiences and traumas that are unresolved that may influence the manifestation of physical illness and pain.

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Laura Wozniak (she/her)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW BCD

I have worked for 12 years in a medical setting supporting patients who have a wide variety of chronic and acute conditions. I have worked to prepare patients for bariatric surgery, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, transplant and in supporting family members as well. I have skills and experience using guided imagery and relaxation skills which can enhance resiliency.

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Justin Little (he/him/his)

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

LMFT, INHC

As someone who lives with an autoimmune disorder, I have spent the last 4 years educating myself on the connection between our mental health (anxiety, depression, brain fog, lack of motivation, etc) and our physical health and gut health. I often work with clients in partnership with medical professionals to address the mental health side of chronic illness: learning to control what you can, reduce stress, improve nutrition and prioritize a regulated nervous system to increase wellbeing.

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Cheryl Lane (she/her)

Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

PsyD

As mentioned previously, I specialize in treating chronic pain and other chronic ailments. Some of the most common chronic pain issues we see in our practice include chronic back pain, migraines, fibromyalgia, chronic dizziness (PPPD), CRPS (chronic regional pain syndrome), TMJ, repetitive strain injury, and chronic tendonitis, to name just a few. If an injury has healed but is still causing pain, or the issue isn't responding to treatment as expected, it may be a mindbody issue.

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Monica Marquard (she/her)

Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

MA, Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

I hold a masters in Child Life in Hospital settings in addition to my counseling degree. Prior to counseling, I worked with many children and families impacted by chronic health conditions or acute illnesses. I am here to help you or your family whether you have been more recently impacted by injury or illness or this has been something lifelong.

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Vlasi Vlahosotiros (he/him/his)

Professional Counselor

MSW, BBTRS®

Chronic pain and illness can be incredibly debilitating. I have navigated chronic pain for many years and have become passionate about supporting others through their journeys.

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Eden Baron-Williams (she/her)

Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

MA, Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

I personally deal with chronic pain/chronic illness and am invisibly physically disabled. Working with those who are impacted by ableist systems and helping them navigate the world in a way that promotes their wellbeing and helps them receive necessary, validating, informed care, is a special passion of mine.

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Jeanell Innerarity (She/Her)

Somatic Practitioner

MA, QMHP-C, LMT, CHT

For many years I lived with chronic pain and illness. I know how tempting (and sometimes necessary) it can be to make that your entire identity, and yet never seem to feel better. I will help you explore the deeper messages your body is trying to send you for healing on every level. I work with mindset shifts, somatic practices, and biofeedback to help reduce your nervous system's signals of chronic pain. I'm happy to collaborate with your healthcare provider.

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Marina Nelson, MC (she/her/hers)

Licensed Professional Counselor

Oregon LPC, Washington LMHC

I have training in Trauma-Informed Stabilization Therapy (TIST), hypnotherapy and Sensorimotor psychotherapy for addressing pain management issues.

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Marcy Irene Jenks (she/they)

Licensed Professional Counselor

MS, RN, LPC, LMHC

Now more than ever is the time to address issues related to health, illness, pain, wellness, and suffering. The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated any preexisting physical and mental health concerns; what an opportunity to strengthen our commitment to health for ourselves and our families. With a background in nursing and Ayurvedic medicine, let me support you on your journey to health, wellness and ease.

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Peter Addy (he/him)

Licensed Professional Counselor

PhD, LPC, LMHC

As a therapist with personal experience of chronic health issues, I have a deep understanding of the unique challenges and complexities that individuals with chronic health conditions face. I provide specialized support to help clients navigate the emotional and psychological impact of chronic health issues on their well-being and empower them to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.

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Audra Lee

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC (OR, TX), LMHC (WA), LPCC (NM), LCPC (MT)

As an Ayurvedic practitioner, I have extensive knowledge of the mind-body connection. I can help you identify potential mental and emotional sources that may be contributing to your physical symptoms, including functional somatic symptoms. I also have a special interest in the psychosocial factors that are affected by living with gastrointestinal disorders, such as IBS and SIBO.

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James Reling (he/him/his)

Licensed Professional Counselor

#C7430

My training in working with people who have disabilities includes chronic pain/illness, which can be particularly tricky to navigate when these disabilities are not 'visible' to others. Many people with chronic pain/illness can feel alone and misunderstood by their medical providers, family, friends, and employers.

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Madilyn Long (she/they)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW

Through my own experience as a bone marrow transplant recipient, I learned first-hand the importance of having access to a mental health professional that could guide me and help me in processing all of the complex emotions that were unearthed before, during, and after my diagnosis and treatment. Because of that experience, I am passionate about providing the same support and assistance to others who are experiencing chronic pain or illness in navigating that road themselves.

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Kate Robinson (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC

Chronic Pain can be so frustrating and exhausting. It often leads to symptoms of depression and /or increased use of medication that can make the condition worse and lead to overuse. From my own experience with chronic pain as well as from working at a chronic pain management center, I have learned the pain management skills that appear to best provide relief and maximize functioning. I focus on the cognitive aspects and thought processes that can help decrease pain.

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Francis Aurora Otto (they | she)

Licensed Professional Counselor

MA, LPC, RSMT/E

Having gone through Lyme Disease, I understand the invisible suffering of chronic pain and illness. There is the condition you suffer and the fact that many people do not perceive or believe your experience. I work to support with all aspects of your what you are going through.

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Laura Z Weldon (she/her/they/them)

Qualified Mental Health Professional

ND, MS

Significant professional experience in addition to personal lived-experience.

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Ashley Jopling (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

MA, CRC, LPC

I specialize in treating chronic pain through a neuroplastic pain approach using Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) alongside ART, EMDR, and Brainspotting. By retraining your brain to reinterpret pain signals and reprocessing trauma stored in the body, we can reduce or eliminate pain. My approach helps you break the cycle of chronic pain, reclaim control, and enjoy a more comfortable, fulfilling life.

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Megan Sapp (she/her)

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

PMHNP, CNM, FNP

I am a certified Family Nurse Practitioner.

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Katie Clark, LMHC, LPC (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

NCC

Methods of treatment used are evidence-based, supported by research, and by the American Psychological Association (APA). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy are highly effective in living with pain and illness, so are the main methods I use in working with clients.

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Rachael Patoray (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC, ATR

Having a Chronic Illness can bring a whole other set of issues to ones life. I have the pleasure of working with folks whose autoimmune systems have been effected or compromised, who are also struggling with physical illness, (often) because of their trauma histories.

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Christine Finucane (She/her/hers)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW, SUDP, LICSW, SEP

Physical pain is almost always accompanied by emotional pain. Attending to them both is essential for healing. The ACE study (Adverse Childhood Experiences) shows a strong correlation between childhood trauma and the later development of chronic health conditions. My approach is to bring mindful presence to areas in the body where trauma and stress is stored. This mindful presence can also allow for the release of physical pain.

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Jessi Huffman (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC

When you are experiencing chronic pain or an illness with no end, it is often invisible to those around you, perhaps leaving you with feelings of hopelessness, isolation, and resentment. I have my own personal understanding of those experiences, and provide an empathic space where you can work toward acceptance and joy in the midst of loss and grief.

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Sunya Grantham

Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

My work with clients involves incorporating biological, psychological, social, and spiritual components. I offer support by allowing for the expression of feelings and challenges in navigating chronic illness. In some cases, I collaborate with medical providers to improve communication and support client's sense of agency.

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G. Ravyn (Ravyn) Stanfield (she/her)

Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

M.A.in Counseling, EMDR trained, Licensed Acupuncturist

I support folks through chronic pain challenges including exhaustion, hopelessness, frustration with the medical system, changes in function, and ways to cope

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Kellie Collins, MS, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Navigating chronic illness along with mental health symptoms can be difficult, but you don't have to go it alone. I can help you utilize tools to successfully manage these conditions and have the best quality of life for you and for your family.

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Zoe Presley (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

Having experienced my own health challenges in the past, I can empathize with the frustration and isolation of physical pain and illness. However, as you deepen your relationship with your body, you will connect with a deeper, healing essence that resides within us all. This has been true for me, and can also be true for you.

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Lavinia Magliocco (she/they)

Licensed Professional Counselor

CRC

People with chronic illness often come from difficult family of origin dynamics. I bring somatic, trauma-informed lens to working with chronic illness, pain, disability. As someone with Crohn's disease, I have personal experience with financial, sexual, career, and relational sequelae of chronic illness. I use an integral lens that includes mindfulness practices for symptom relief as well as practical skills to manage ADL's.

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jane Newman

Licensed Professional Counselor

Working with clients dealing with chronic pain and illness is part of my experience in the area of grief and loss. Living with pain/illness is a loss of life as they knew it before - the process gives clients an opportunity to identify/discuss issues associated with their condition- to feel validated and supported; and to learn coping techniques.

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