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

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.

View Profile
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.

View Profile
Brittany England

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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.

View Profile
Julie Sliga (she/her)

Professional Counselor Associate

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.

View Profile
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 current 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.

View Profile
Nicole Corbett (she/her)

Hypnotherapist

Certified Hypnotherapist

Hypnosis is a proven treatment for chronic pain. Working with the body-mind connection, I help clients release stuck emotions that add to or cause pain. Hypnosis works as a analgesic, reducing the sensation of pain, as well as retrains the body response to pain, such as not tension and inflammation.

View Profile
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.

View Profile
Allison Batty-Capps (she/her)

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

MA, LMFT

It can be challenging living with chronic pain or illness. There is hope in the current neuroscience research that show that somatic practices like yoga, breath work, and meditation can decrease pain receptor activation, as well as shift your relationship with your pain so it is more manageable.

View Profile
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.

View Profile
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.

View Profile
Vlasi Vlahosotiros (he/him/his)

Somatic Practitioner

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.

View Profile
Samantha Auclair (She/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC, CRC, NCC

As a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, I have extensive experience working with people with chronic illness and disabilities. I often work where chronic illness/disability and trauma intersect, including medical trauma.

View Profile
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.

View Profile
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.

View Profile
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.

View Profile
Buoy Counseling LLC

Professional Counselor Associate

LeAnn's knowledge and expertise include serving adults (19-99yr) during major life transitions such as graduation, career changes, divorce, retirement, aging, major health conditions, caregiving, end of life, grief, depression, anxiety, family estrangement, Traumatic brain Injury ( accidents, stroke, seizures, epilepsy) and pain management.

View Profile
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.

View Profile
Christy Reichert (she/her/hers)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW

Chronic pain sucks. Chronic pain plus toxic positivity, gaslighting, misdiagnoses, unsolicited advice, and discrimination sucks even more. I help professional women who have chronic pain and/or chronic illnesses learn to be kind to themselves, to trust themselves, and to find ways to get the support that they need without ever being forced to prove that their pain is real or that they’re trying hard enough.

View Profile
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.

View Profile
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.

View Profile
Johanna Rayman (she/her)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW, GCFP

I have specialized in working with chronic pain & illness since 2007, primarily with a Feldenkrais perspective of using gentle movement to build self-awareness and self-care. While you may think that you already have too much awareness of your body (it's so uncomfortable!), increasing a fine-tuned awareness is actually a valuable tool in finding relief from pain and discomfort and creating a safe space within your own body. I am also interested in how pain interacts with us psychologically.

View Profile
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.

View Profile
Megan Sapp (she/her)

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

PMHNP, CNM, FNP

I am a certified Family Nurse Practitioner.

View Profile
Katie Solomon (she/they)

Professional Counselor Associate

Mental Health Intern

I am passionate about providing support and assistance to those experiencing chronic pain and/or illness. Through a compassionate lens, I utilize mind/body approaches and draw heavily from pain reprocessing therapy.

View Profile
Kir Rian (she/her)

Professional Counselor Associate

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

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.

View Profile
Sara Todd (she/they)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW

My treatment approach pays close attention to the body. Trauma shows up in the body– how we move and feel, illness, and physical symptoms. This may show up as fatigue or chronic pain. My approach will emphasize physical sensations, feelings, and emotions with the goal of processing trauma that’s stored in the body. The body has its own language and this is also driven by what’s unconscious.

View Profile
Marc•francis Otto (they/them)

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.

View Profile
Audra Lee

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC, LMHC, LPCC

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.

View Profile
Marley Dagner (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

MA, NCC

Chronic pain and illnesses have a way of deeply rooting themselves into every element of our lives that is often misunderstood, dismissed, or even rejected by those who do not live with the symptoms. I am here to support you in your experience of living with chronic pain and illnesses. There is space for you here.

View Profile
Meredith Noble (she/her)

Professional Counselor Associate

MA, Certified Body Trust® Provider

I live with chronic illness and pain from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. I know the misogyny, disinterest, gaslighting, and fatphobia that occur routinely within the medical system, and the tolls these can take on mental health. I am here to accompany you in your experiences of chronic illness and chronic pain. We can explore the emotional impacts (like grief, anger, sadness), process experiences of disability and ableism, and help you find moments of contentment and joy despite bodily obstacles.

View Profile
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.

View Profile
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.

View Profile
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 often work with folks who have been diagnosed with a chronic illness and help to support them in this challenge.

View Profile
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.

View Profile