Chronic Pain & Illness Therapy In-Person and Online
Foster Counseling and Therapy provides supportive and tailored individual therapy to empower you around your chronic pain and assist you in enhancing the tools and confidence you seek. In-person services are accessible to the communities of Lake in the Hills, Algonquin, Crystal Lake, Huntley, and McHenry County, and online services are provided throughout Illinois.
Does your chronic pain or illness get in your way?
Living with chronic pain and illness is an ongoing battle that affects every aspect of life. It's waking up each day not knowing how intense the pain will be, or whether you'll have the energy to face the day ahead. It's about trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy while your body constantly reminds you of its limitations. Here at Foster, we understand the impact and are here to help you reduce your suffering, discover helpful ways to improve your day-to-day experience, and connect with joy and hope.
Chronic pain and illness are more than just physical experiences—they’re an emotional rollercoaster. They’re the frustration of missing out on activities you once loved, the sadness of feeling isolated because others can't fully understand what you're going through, and the constant mental fatigue from managing the symptoms and their repercussions.
Depression
Chronic pain and illness often lead to depression due to the persistent discomfort and limitations it imposes on daily activities. The feeling of being unable to escape the pain can result in hopelessness and sadness. Over time, this can diminish a person’s interest in previously enjoyed activities and lead to social withdrawal and isolation.
Anxiety
The unpredictable nature of chronic pain & illness can cause significant anxiety as individuals worry about the onset of pain episodes and their impact on daily life. This constant state of worry can exacerbate physical pain and create a vicious cycle of increased pain and heightened anxiety. The fear of pain can also limit participation in social and physical activities, further isolating the individual.
Stress
Chronic pain and illness act as continuous stressors, activating the body’s stress response and keeping it in a heightened state of alert. This prolonged stress can negatively affect various bodily systems, leading to issues like insomnia, increased muscle tension, and reduced immune function. The persistent stress also contributes to mental fatigue, making it difficult for individuals to cope with everyday challenges.
Sleep Distubance
Pain and illness can significantly disrupt sleep patterns, leading to difficulties in falling asleep, staying asleep, or achieving restful sleep. Poor sleep quality exacerbates pain sensitivity and contributes to cognitive impairments, such as difficulty concentrating and memory issues. Over time, chronic sleep disturbances can lead to mood disorders like depression and anxiety, further compounding the impact of chronic pain on mental health.
Cognitive Decline
Chronic pain and illness can impair cognitive functions, including attention, memory, and executive functioning. The mental effort required to manage constant pain can drain cognitive resources, leaving less capacity for other tasks. This cognitive decline can affect daily functioning and productivity, leading to frustration and decreased self-esteem, which further impact mental health.
Social Isolation
The limitations imposed by chronic pain and illness can lead to reduced social interactions and activities. Individuals may avoid social gatherings due to pain flare-ups or the fear of experiencing pain in public, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. This lack of social support can worsen mental health, as human connection is crucial for emotional well-being and resilience against stress and depression.
You’re not alone. We’re here to help you reclaim your life.
Our Chronic Pain & Illness Therapists
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Sarah Pottle, LPC, ADHD-CCSP
Sarah is a chronic pain and illness therapist who brings her gentle and nurturing approach to your journey, paired with an intention and the skills to equip you with tools to reduce the effects of your pain or illness, empower your confidence to navigate physical, mental and emotional fluctuations, and assist you in connection, hope and enrichment.
