Living with a chronic illness or pain condition affects more than just physical health. It can change how you feel about yourself, your relationships, and the way you move through daily life. Our Chronic Illness and Pain Services program at Pillars of Wellness provides mental health support for individuals and families dealing with the emotional weight of long-term medical conditions.

Our clinicians take a trauma-informed, whole-person approach to care, helping clients work through the anxiety, depression, grief, and stress that often come with chronic illness and pain.

This program is ideal for individuals who are experiencing:

• Emotional distress related to a chronic or long-term medical condition
• Anxiety, depression, or grief following diagnosis or disease progression
• Chronic pain, fatigue, or lifestyle disruption due to illness
• Identity shifts, isolation, or loss of independence
• Stress from dealing with medical systems or treatment demands

Suitable for:

• Individuals
• Small groups (up to 5 participants)
• Caregivers and families through organizational partnerships

Our Chronic Illness and Pain Services program supports individuals and families through the emotional side of living with a long-term medical condition.

All sessions take place in a welcoming, judgment-free space using approaches grounded in research and clinical best practices.

Each session includes:

• Emotional grounding and stress-reduction techniques
• Psychoeducation related to chronic illness, pain, and mental health
• Guided discussion focused on coping and adjustment
• Practical tools to manage stress, symptoms, and feeling overwhelmed
• Optional worksheets and supportive resources

Lead Clinician: Dr. Brianna Henning, DSW, LCSW
Specialist: Brittany Bartock, MSW, LSW

Our clinicians are licensed, trauma-informed professionals with specialty training in chronic illness and pain counseling. They use CBT, ACT, mindfulness, and stress-reduction techniques to support their clients.

Pillars of Wellness is a community-based mental health organization providing therapy, education, and specialty programs across Indiana and surrounding regions.

Our Chronic Illness and Pain Services team would love to partner with you. Here are a few examples of what we offer, though our services go beyond this list:

• A streamlined referral process
• Coordinated care with medical teams (with client consent)
• Tailored workshops and trainings on the emotional impact of chronic illness and pain

Interested in working for Pillars in this program?

As part of this Center of Excellence, clinicians have the opportunity to:

• Provide focused services in their specialty area
• Collaborate with program-aligned clinicians
• Receive mentorship, supervision, and leadership opportunities
• Help shape future programming and community outreach
• Grow clinically while contributing to innovation and excellence

Apply Here

These courses are excellent resources for counselors hoping to advance their skillset in specific interest areas. Click here to view all our continuing education courses.

If you or someone you care about is going through the emotional challenges of chronic illness and/or pain, you don’t have to face it alone. Our team is here to help.