Jody Kohn, M.S.W., M.A.

Psychotherapist

Specialty: Chronic Health Challenges

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.”
Marcel Proust

Jody’s Healing Philosophy
Emotional, spiritual, social, and behavioral factors directly affect health, just as physical illness and other bodily struggles impact emotional well-being.

Finding the inter-connectedness between mind, body and spirit plays a vital role in the psychotherapeutic process.

It is through this discovery that the journey to optimum healing can begin.

Jody subscribes to an integrative approach to psychotherapy. Because each person in treatment is a unique being – a variety of modalities often works better than one specific treatment. Thus, Jody’s approach is to work closely with the client in developing a holistic program that will offer relief while forming a healing bond. For instance; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for various issues, including chronic pain and depression. Yet, its success rate may be boosted when coupled with a more traditional talk therapy approach. Simultaneously, adding in expressive therapeutic treatment, such as collage-making – to lift the spirit – along with various relaxation techniques, offer the client a more advantageous healing program.

Learn to live a more balanced and healthy life within the challenges of your situation.

As a psychotherapist who has been living with chronic pain for more than 25 years Jody’s unique guidance offers compassionate support along with proven techniques.

Furthermore, as a Michigan State Leader, with The American Pain Foundation Action Network, Jody works tirelessly to lend a voice to the millions of people suffering with chronic pain conditions.

For more information about The American Pain Foundation: http://www.painfoundation.org

Psychotherapy Offerings

Individual Psychotherapy (Adolescents and Adults)
Group, Family and Couple Therapy

Offering Help For:
Chronic Pain Conditions
Fibromyalgia
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Rheumatoid and Osteo Arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
RSD/CRPS
Migraine Headaches
Lupus
Lyme Disease
Stress
Trauma
Depression
Life goals
Grief/Loss
Spiritual Growth
Aging Parents
Employment Pressures
Mood Changes
Relationship Challenges
Emotional Impact of Litigation

Achieved through Various Methods

Eclectic Psychotherapy
Integrative Techniques
Psychodynamic Approach
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Expressive Therapies
Journal Writing
Collages
Movement
Mindfulness Meditation
Stress Reduction
Enhanced Self-Esteem
Guided Imagery
Visualization
Genograms
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

Session Cost and Insurance Information

Initial Consultation – $100

Individual Sessions – $75

Couples Sessions – $90

Family Sessions – $100

Although Jody does not participate in any insurance programs she will work within each patient’s financial situation.

Sliding Scale available for those in need of psychotherapy but unable to pay the standard fee(s).

Groups

Support groups for chronic health concerns
Mind-Body healing for Chronic Pain and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – A Holistic Approach
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Chronic Pain

A Life Unfolds

Jody Kohn, M.S.W., M.A. has been on her own healing journey for many years. Shortly after her college graduation, starting her career as a rehabilitation counselor, Jody was in a devastating automobile accident that left her with life-changing, debilitating injuries. This new set of medical challenges forced her into an unanticipated mission of recuperation. At a time when there was little hope for a full recovery conventional, western medical approaches were influential in Jody’s decision to undergo life-altering surgery. Although the procedure allowed for partial symptom relief – unanticipated surgical aftereffects replaced the initial ailment with a lifelong, chronic pain condition. After years of futile attempts to find relief through more conservative, traditional interventions Jody began to search for alternative pain-relieving measures. In time, she discovered various holistic disciplines, enhanced her knowledge of the mind-body-spirit connection and immersed herself in the belief that she was, in fact, the most proficient expert on her list of healthcare providers. Once Jody embraced her own restorative powers the world of health began to open to her. It is Jody’s belief that her many years of suffering were ultimately a gift. It was on her personal path of healing that she unlocked the true purpose of her life – to help others that feel trapped within their own discomfort and debilitation.

Support Groups for People with Chronic Pain and Other Health Challenges

Being a trained counselor Jody is well-aware that support groups hold the potential to be an excellent source of strength, wisdom and comfort. In 2008 Jody founded Ann Arbor’s only holistically-oriented support group for people living with chronic pain and other ongoing health challenges. These sessions offer an opportunity for people living with persistent medical issues to share their concerns and successes with others in a compassionate, confidential and comfortable setting. The group’s weekly meetings center on the core belief that the mind, body and spirit are connected and that each of us has the power within to fortify our own healing process.

In 2009 Jody expanded the weekly support group to include gentle, individualized yoga instruction and therapeutic breathwork guided by Janine Polley, R.N., R.Y.T.

Each meeting is divided into two segments. The evening begins with a support group where members openly discuss an assortment of issues. After a short break, the group transitions into relaxing, gentle yoga instruction, tailored specifically for each person’s condition, providing a healing mind-body experience for all.

Participants learn a variety of techniques to aid in their search for relief on their journey to well-being.

Testimonials

I find that Jody’s Chronic Pain Support Group is a safe, caring place to share challenges and triumphs while giving and receiving information and support. Jody is a compassionate and skilled facilitator who keeps the discussion lively and pertinent. Best of all, I feel understood and accepted, which is helping me understand and accept myself. I love this group! — Lori

Initially, I was very resistant to yoga, due to years of chronic pain. The first time I tried it, Yoga for Chronic Pain was a confidence-boosting revelation, mainly because of Janine’s gentle, individualized approach. I am able to do much more than I ever realized. Each week, I see progress, which is something I never thought would happen. After class, my spirit is uplifted, and my body actually feels good! — Lori