Chronic Illness Therapists in San Jose, CA
![Photo of Sarah Parnow, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1798ad02-2107-465d-ad80-19a0d715a2ef/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with adults facing medical diagnosis, chronic illness, and life changes.
Does life feel unrecognizable right now? Maybe you are facing a new reality, one you did not expect to be facing now, or possibly ever. You heard what the doctors said, but it still doesn’t feel quite real, like tomorrow when you wake up you’ll realize this was all just a very bad dream. It feels terrifying, uncomfortable, and exhausting, and you are having a hard time focusing your attention on anything else. You may find your thoughts rapidly cycling between endless “what if” and “how did I get here?” spirals. You are definitely not alone in feeling this way.
I specialize in working with adults facing medical diagnosis, chronic illness, and life changes.
Does life feel unrecognizable right now? Maybe you are facing a new reality, one you did not expect to be facing now, or possibly ever. You heard what the doctors said, but it still doesn’t feel quite real, like tomorrow when you wake up you’ll realize this was all just a very bad dream. It feels terrifying, uncomfortable, and exhausting, and you are having a hard time focusing your attention on anything else. You may find your thoughts rapidly cycling between endless “what if” and “how did I get here?” spirals. You are definitely not alone in feeling this way.
![Photo of Jennifer C Cohen, MACL, LMFT, C-IAYT, RYT 500, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fc533485-bd68-47a1-8125-a4a45fd0092d/1/320x400.png)
Jennifer C Cohen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MACL, LMFT, C-IAYT, RYT 500
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95138 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My general frame work is that you cannot separate the body from the mind nor can you separate a person from their life time of experiences, therefore working with all of these systems is a highly effective way to improve happiness, decrease anxiety and stress, and increase coping skills to manage life with more ease and improved relationships. Now offering emergency Intensive Couples Counseling! I work well with individuals and couples who are seeking to learn more holistic ways to address their emotional and relational challenges whether they be family of origin issues, trauma, chronic illness, anxiety, or depression.
My general frame work is that you cannot separate the body from the mind nor can you separate a person from their life time of experiences, therefore working with all of these systems is a highly effective way to improve happiness, decrease anxiety and stress, and increase coping skills to manage life with more ease and improved relationships. Now offering emergency Intensive Couples Counseling! I work well with individuals and couples who are seeking to learn more holistic ways to address their emotional and relational challenges whether they be family of origin issues, trauma, chronic illness, anxiety, or depression.
![Photo of Angela Hutton, LCSW, SEP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cdefe04-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Angela Hutton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95101
I have had success working with people who suffer from depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and trauma.
Are you looking to feel more connected to yourself and others? Do you feel trapped in certain areas of your life? I have been a psychotherapist for over 20 years and am passionate about this work. I work with teens, adults, and mental health professionals and can effectively address issues that keep you feeling depressed, anxious, and disconnected from yourself and others. I want to help you make the necessary changes to have the life you desire. Therapy isn't about finding out what is wrong with you, it is about building on what is RIGHT with you.
I have had success working with people who suffer from depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and trauma.
Are you looking to feel more connected to yourself and others? Do you feel trapped in certain areas of your life? I have been a psychotherapist for over 20 years and am passionate about this work. I work with teens, adults, and mental health professionals and can effectively address issues that keep you feeling depressed, anxious, and disconnected from yourself and others. I want to help you make the necessary changes to have the life you desire. Therapy isn't about finding out what is wrong with you, it is about building on what is RIGHT with you.
![Photo of Jillian Walsh Rosoff, LMFT, CT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a2fc579-b3a1-41ec-b1c3-0a1f2383a398/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jillian Walsh Rosoff
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CT
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95124 (Online Only)
Helping clients facing grief or chronic illness is my passion. I work with clients experiencing many kinds of losses, including death of a parent, partner, or one's own health. For nearly a decade, I was a hospice grief counselor providing support to individuals and families. I help clients finding meaning after devastating challenges, while developing practical coping strategies. I am certified in Thanatology, the study of death, dying and bereavement, through the Association of Death Education and Counseling (ADEC).
Helping clients facing grief or chronic illness is my passion. I work with clients experiencing many kinds of losses, including death of a parent, partner, or one's own health. For nearly a decade, I was a hospice grief counselor providing support to individuals and families. I help clients finding meaning after devastating challenges, while developing practical coping strategies. I am certified in Thanatology, the study of death, dying and bereavement, through the Association of Death Education and Counseling (ADEC).
![Photo of Jennifer Macias, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/26dfe69a-b1c0-41e3-8523-0f50b5372a8f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Macias
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95170 (Online Only)
Are you looking for a therapist who is non-judgmental, inclusive, knowledgeable and makes efforts to understand you and what you're experiencing? If you're working through a loss, struggling with chronic illness, life transitions, low self-esteem, depression or anxiety, know that relief is possible. I create a safe space so I can get to know the real you.
Are you looking for a therapist who is non-judgmental, inclusive, knowledgeable and makes efforts to understand you and what you're experiencing? If you're working through a loss, struggling with chronic illness, life transitions, low self-esteem, depression or anxiety, know that relief is possible. I create a safe space so I can get to know the real you.
![Photo of Michelle Gentle, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f2859def-0b39-4e54-b12a-eff3960f4f85/1/320x400.jpeg)
Client’s experiencing grief (including divorce, chronic illness, infertility, or death), changes in life circumstances (including pregnancy, postpartum transition, identity/sexuality challenges), or relationship difficulties.
Hi, my name is Michelle Gentle. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Orange County, California working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and I’m passionate about supporting clients during whatever life challenges arise. I am LGBTQ+ affirming. My approach to therapy is holistic and varies based on the needs of each client I work with. I utilize a trauma-informed, developmental, and attachment-based lens. Common modalities I use include are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Therapy, and Narrative Therapy.
Client’s experiencing grief (including divorce, chronic illness, infertility, or death), changes in life circumstances (including pregnancy, postpartum transition, identity/sexuality challenges), or relationship difficulties.
Hi, my name is Michelle Gentle. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Orange County, California working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and I’m passionate about supporting clients during whatever life challenges arise. I am LGBTQ+ affirming. My approach to therapy is holistic and varies based on the needs of each client I work with. I utilize a trauma-informed, developmental, and attachment-based lens. Common modalities I use include are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Therapy, and Narrative Therapy.
![Photo of Julie Stefan, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47e32a83-06f5-428f-afed-374c8b0af1fe/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have found that my style and previous professional experience are a good fit for those dealing with chronic illness or a traumatic injury/medical condition as well as those going through life transitions and experiencing depression/anxiety.
My name is Julie Stefan, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Orange County, CA, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in individuals experiencing stress and anxiety/depression due to chronic illness or recovering from a traumatic injury or health condition. Using an eclectic, supportive approach I aim to help my clients feel cared for and to improve their current mood.
I have found that my style and previous professional experience are a good fit for those dealing with chronic illness or a traumatic injury/medical condition as well as those going through life transitions and experiencing depression/anxiety.
My name is Julie Stefan, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Orange County, CA, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in individuals experiencing stress and anxiety/depression due to chronic illness or recovering from a traumatic injury or health condition. Using an eclectic, supportive approach I aim to help my clients feel cared for and to improve their current mood.
![Photo of Deidre R Popolizio, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/429d0a33-34a6-49a4-a7f1-f5c405fe33a0/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with the full range of life issues with special interest in attachment, grief and loss, families facing chronic illness, and geriatric issues.
Therapy offers a safe support system as you navigate some of life's more difficult challenges. Are you seeking therapy for problems including relationship issues, trauma, depression/anxiety, grief over any type of loss, chronic illness, divorce, retirement or even facing mortality? As your therapist, I will help you process events and relationships, both current and past, that influence your current challenges. Therapy is a collaborative effort and not a quick fix. Along with empathy, I offer a safe and supportive environment to discuss your concerns and take progressive steps toward adaptation and acceptance to enhance your life.
I work with the full range of life issues with special interest in attachment, grief and loss, families facing chronic illness, and geriatric issues.
Therapy offers a safe support system as you navigate some of life's more difficult challenges. Are you seeking therapy for problems including relationship issues, trauma, depression/anxiety, grief over any type of loss, chronic illness, divorce, retirement or even facing mortality? As your therapist, I will help you process events and relationships, both current and past, that influence your current challenges. Therapy is a collaborative effort and not a quick fix. Along with empathy, I offer a safe and supportive environment to discuss your concerns and take progressive steps toward adaptation and acceptance to enhance your life.
![Photo of Nichole E Sperling - Sanctuary Counseling & Psychotherapy, MSW, LCSW, CCM, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d859cc35-2233-4adf-98b2-93dd224865d7/2/320x400.png)
Sanctuary Counseling & Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CCM
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95124 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, addictions and emotional challenges can disrupt our lives and everything we hold dear. I will work with you to develop a plan and set reachable goals to improve your quality of life.
Depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, addictions and emotional challenges can disrupt our lives and everything we hold dear. I will work with you to develop a plan and set reachable goals to improve your quality of life.
![Photo of Robyn Greene, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fff02978-8d1d-4bf2-b11a-8257797ed6dd/1/320x400.jpeg)
I help people deal with acute and chronic illness, as well as chronic pain.
Hi! I'm Robyn and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, currently working with clients statewide via Telehealth. I have over 30 years of experience using mindfulness and meditation practices, stress management, sleep management, and cognitive behavioral psychology. I work together with you to help you feel better and get what you want.
I help people deal with acute and chronic illness, as well as chronic pain.
Hi! I'm Robyn and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, currently working with clients statewide via Telehealth. I have over 30 years of experience using mindfulness and meditation practices, stress management, sleep management, and cognitive behavioral psychology. I work together with you to help you feel better and get what you want.
![Photo of Sobia Saleem Psychotherapist, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5d060fcf-9411-4535-9532-451c742db827/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sobia Saleem Psychotherapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95134 (Online Only)
I also have 10+ years of experience serving chronic illness communities.
Accepting New Clients! Are you a trans, non-binary, or poly person looking for a therapist who understands & reflects your identity? Are you a newly diagnosed neurodivergent or neuroqueer adult? Are you chronically ill and tired of educating your therapists about your medical conditions? Are you a queer Muslim seeking a therapist who's familiar with both your background & queerness? If so, I want to work with you on your unique challenges, like navigating your transition, exploring sexual dynamics with partner(s), dealing with a new diagnosis, and/or needing an HRT or GAS (surgery) letter. Therapy should cater to you and your needs.
I also have 10+ years of experience serving chronic illness communities.
Accepting New Clients! Are you a trans, non-binary, or poly person looking for a therapist who understands & reflects your identity? Are you a newly diagnosed neurodivergent or neuroqueer adult? Are you chronically ill and tired of educating your therapists about your medical conditions? Are you a queer Muslim seeking a therapist who's familiar with both your background & queerness? If so, I want to work with you on your unique challenges, like navigating your transition, exploring sexual dynamics with partner(s), dealing with a new diagnosis, and/or needing an HRT or GAS (surgery) letter. Therapy should cater to you and your needs.
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![Photo of Cynthia Haartman - Cynthia Haartman: Psychotherapy, EMDR, Sex Therapy, MA, LMFT, CST, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f0ff47b2-56d8-4e2f-9ed4-2b2274a24b55/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cynthia Haartman: Psychotherapy, EMDR, Sex Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CST
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95118 (Online Only)
I am a Certified Sex Therapist, and also Certified in EMDR Therapy. My primary focus includes: intimacy and sexuality concerns, pelvic pain, fear and anxiety around intimacy, stress, trauma, anxiety, self worth, guilt and shame, neurodivergence - specifically ADHD and high masking Autism, chronic pain and chronic illness, as well as medical trauma, and manifestation of stress physically in the body. I am kink affirming and knowledgable, LGBTQ+/sexual and gender minority inclusive, and a sex positive provider.
I am a Certified Sex Therapist, and also Certified in EMDR Therapy. My primary focus includes: intimacy and sexuality concerns, pelvic pain, fear and anxiety around intimacy, stress, trauma, anxiety, self worth, guilt and shame, neurodivergence - specifically ADHD and high masking Autism, chronic pain and chronic illness, as well as medical trauma, and manifestation of stress physically in the body. I am kink affirming and knowledgable, LGBTQ+/sexual and gender minority inclusive, and a sex positive provider.
Do you like working with me? Research shows that successful therapy depends on a positive relationship between therapist and client. I structure our work together so you will know within a few sessions if we are a good fit. My goal is to help individual adults, teenagers, and parents of teenagers understand enough about themselves so they can make healthy and sustained changes. I have helped clients save their own lives, manage anger, quit drugs and alcohol, improve self-esteem, build and/or rebuild relationships, improve work/academics, reduce anxiety/depression, and manage chronic illness.
Do you like working with me? Research shows that successful therapy depends on a positive relationship between therapist and client. I structure our work together so you will know within a few sessions if we are a good fit. My goal is to help individual adults, teenagers, and parents of teenagers understand enough about themselves so they can make healthy and sustained changes. I have helped clients save their own lives, manage anger, quit drugs and alcohol, improve self-esteem, build and/or rebuild relationships, improve work/academics, reduce anxiety/depression, and manage chronic illness.
![Photo of Melissa Milne Percy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f81038e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa Milne Percy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95101 (Online Only)
Brene′ Brown facilitator, and I have lived experience working with hospital and medical professionals, and those living with chronic illness and in the helping professions.
Are you feeling lonely, hurt, or hopeless in your relationship? Do you and your partner live like roommates? Are you having the same fights over and over? Or are you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed by your physical and emotional challenges and changes? Are you uncertain or scared about what the future holds? I can help you restore health and peace in your relationships, your work, and your sense of self.
Brene′ Brown facilitator, and I have lived experience working with hospital and medical professionals, and those living with chronic illness and in the helping professions.
Are you feeling lonely, hurt, or hopeless in your relationship? Do you and your partner live like roommates? Are you having the same fights over and over? Or are you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed by your physical and emotional challenges and changes? Are you uncertain or scared about what the future holds? I can help you restore health and peace in your relationships, your work, and your sense of self.
![Photo of Madeline Elia, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9218e22a-46aa-4f96-b6c9-56a7de680354/1/320x400.jpeg)
Madeline Elia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95125 (Online Only)
I also have years of expertise in psycho-oncology and have unique offerings for families and individuals experiencing cancer and chronic illness.
Hi! I’m Madeline. I specialize in helping individuals and couples make meaning out of challenges and loss, navigate transitions, and deepen their relationships with others. Most of us encounter some form of trauma or loss in our lives, and these challenges can impact our mood, our sense of self, and our relationship with the world around us. I provide a warm, collaborative space for clients to uncover and re-frame unhelpful beliefs, develop skills to cope with anxiety and depression, and set helpful boundaries with those around them.
I also have years of expertise in psycho-oncology and have unique offerings for families and individuals experiencing cancer and chronic illness.
Hi! I’m Madeline. I specialize in helping individuals and couples make meaning out of challenges and loss, navigate transitions, and deepen their relationships with others. Most of us encounter some form of trauma or loss in our lives, and these challenges can impact our mood, our sense of self, and our relationship with the world around us. I provide a warm, collaborative space for clients to uncover and re-frame unhelpful beliefs, develop skills to cope with anxiety and depression, and set helpful boundaries with those around them.
![Photo of Demi Alex Ayuna, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d1e6e790-2f37-4987-95da-0f823233f1e6/2/320x400.png)
Demi Alex Ayuna
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95101 (Online Only)
I work with QTBIPOC and neurodivergent communities, artists / creatives, folks with disability and chronic illness, gender identity and queerness, non-normative relationships, family of origin work, complex trauma, and identity exploration.
As a queer, trans, disabled, diasporic therapist, I am grateful to have built a flow of practices, rituals, and care webs that have allowed for my ongoing survival and healing. In return, I find grounding and power in community care- with the hopes of offering my lived experience and held presence to be supportive in your deep dives, excavations, and loving journeys. I offer co-created, trauma-informed space to explore, play, and feel through the pain, stuckness, or uncertainty you may be experiencing. I ground and honor your lived experience through an intersectional lens, and towards collective healing and liberation.
I work with QTBIPOC and neurodivergent communities, artists / creatives, folks with disability and chronic illness, gender identity and queerness, non-normative relationships, family of origin work, complex trauma, and identity exploration.
As a queer, trans, disabled, diasporic therapist, I am grateful to have built a flow of practices, rituals, and care webs that have allowed for my ongoing survival and healing. In return, I find grounding and power in community care- with the hopes of offering my lived experience and held presence to be supportive in your deep dives, excavations, and loving journeys. I offer co-created, trauma-informed space to explore, play, and feel through the pain, stuckness, or uncertainty you may be experiencing. I ground and honor your lived experience through an intersectional lens, and towards collective healing and liberation.
![Photo of Kelly Judd, MS, CPLC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3381e550-5217-4cb5-b27e-df6775f73b13/2/320x400.jpeg)
Specialty areas: women's mental health, LGBTQIA+ issues, high-control religious and professional environments, entrepreneurship, chronic illness.
Welcome! I'm Kelly, a certified professional life coach with a gentle, strengths-based approach. I help women and members of the LGBTQIA+ community break cycles of dysfunction and self-sacrifice to finally claim the lives they need. My coaching philosophy is grounded in psychodynamic theory and incorporates concepts borrowed from Internal Family Systems, Co-Active Coaching, and somatic work. While the work we do together is not psychotherapy (my role is not to diagnose or treat mental illness), the pace and rhythm of my coaching sessions are very similar to what you would experience in a therapist’s office.
Specialty areas: women's mental health, LGBTQIA+ issues, high-control religious and professional environments, entrepreneurship, chronic illness.
Welcome! I'm Kelly, a certified professional life coach with a gentle, strengths-based approach. I help women and members of the LGBTQIA+ community break cycles of dysfunction and self-sacrifice to finally claim the lives they need. My coaching philosophy is grounded in psychodynamic theory and incorporates concepts borrowed from Internal Family Systems, Co-Active Coaching, and somatic work. While the work we do together is not psychotherapy (my role is not to diagnose or treat mental illness), the pace and rhythm of my coaching sessions are very similar to what you would experience in a therapist’s office.
![Photo of Andrea Irvine, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2442fb9c-a30a-403b-bdf2-219ad1dfc10e/2/320x400.png)
Andrea Irvine
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95124 (Online Only)
Most of my clients see me for: Coping with new onset or chronic illness or injury, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, medical trauma, caregiving challenges, palliative care, and substance use/addiction.
Hello! I'm Andrea Irvine, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who provides therapy to adults throughout California. Life changes and challenges may affect our overall well-being, sense of self, relationships, and work and it's not uncommon to feel stuck. Sometimes we need extra support to navigate through our experiences. I believe therapy can be an important resource and an opportunity to making positive long-term changes in your life. I am committed to providing a compassionate and collaborative space where we can explore your concerns and discover the tools that are meaningful for your healing and personal journey to wellness.
Most of my clients see me for: Coping with new onset or chronic illness or injury, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, medical trauma, caregiving challenges, palliative care, and substance use/addiction.
Hello! I'm Andrea Irvine, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who provides therapy to adults throughout California. Life changes and challenges may affect our overall well-being, sense of self, relationships, and work and it's not uncommon to feel stuck. Sometimes we need extra support to navigate through our experiences. I believe therapy can be an important resource and an opportunity to making positive long-term changes in your life. I am committed to providing a compassionate and collaborative space where we can explore your concerns and discover the tools that are meaningful for your healing and personal journey to wellness.
![Photo of Myles Marcotte, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0b5a2850-e56d-4e5c-996a-61f8c5b14a7a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Myles Marcotte
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95123 (Online Only)
I am a trans-identified therapist who is passionate about supporting LGBTQIA clients. I frequently work with late-diagnosed ADHD-ers, college students, chronic illness/disability, "late bloomers", relationship and family issues, body image (HAES-aligned), and mood disorders. I provide an affirming space for clients who are sex workers, kink practitioners, and consensually non-monogamous.
I am a trans-identified therapist who is passionate about supporting LGBTQIA clients. I frequently work with late-diagnosed ADHD-ers, college students, chronic illness/disability, "late bloomers", relationship and family issues, body image (HAES-aligned), and mood disorders. I provide an affirming space for clients who are sex workers, kink practitioners, and consensually non-monogamous.
![Photo of Navpreet Chima, APCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c1468468-687c-4744-9ef8-8b1cfd489999/1/320x400.jpeg)
Navpreet Chima
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95124 (Online Only)
It can be frustrating to not see any progress in talk therapy, to be told to trust the process. By providing evidence based therapy for depression, anxiety, and complex trauma, each session feels productive, like work is being done, until the client feels almost like their own therapist. If you find yourself feeling unmotivated, empty, having trouble deeply connecting with others, wanting to change but being unable to do so, reaching out to a therapist that uses an evidence- based approach is a great first step!
It can be frustrating to not see any progress in talk therapy, to be told to trust the process. By providing evidence based therapy for depression, anxiety, and complex trauma, each session feels productive, like work is being done, until the client feels almost like their own therapist. If you find yourself feeling unmotivated, empty, having trouble deeply connecting with others, wanting to change but being unable to do so, reaching out to a therapist that uses an evidence- based approach is a great first step!
See more therapy options for San Jose
Nearby Chronic Illness Therapists Searches for San Jose
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Chronic Illness Therapists
How does therapy for chronic illness work?
Many people living with a chronic illness may feel they cannot speak honestly about their experience out of embarrassment or fear of being a burden, or because those close to them do not understand, for example, that they may “look good” even if they do not feel good. Therapy sessions are an opportunity to speak openly with someone who knows their symptoms are not in their head and who can offer practical, proven suggestions for managing feelings of grief, shame, or fatigue, such as techniques to challenge unhelpful thoughts about symptoms and develop new ways to respond to them, such as distraction or calming breathing practices.
Can therapy help with physical symptoms of chronic illness?
Yes, especially if an individual with chronic illness has developed depression. People with depression are less likely to maintain their health treatment regimens or to take positive steps to manage physical symptoms when they arise, thereby potentially complicating their medical prognosis. Treatment of depression, through talk therapy, medication, or both, will often improve one’s physical state as it eases the emotional burden of illness.
What are the most effective treatment options for chronic illness?
No one living with a chronic illness, or their loved ones, should see depression as an unavoidable result of their condition. Instead, they should actively seek treatment. Research shows that people with depression are less likely to devote the required time and effort to maintaining or monitoring their health, and so therapy to limit the risk of depression can be vital for physical health as well. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction have been found to help individuals reduce stress and anxiety.
How long does therapy for chronic illness take?
There is no set timeline for therapy for people living with chronic illnesses, but many will see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 weekly sessions. Some people feel that they experience progress faster than others but even some who quickly feel improvement may continue with sessions for months or years. Some people may benefit from maintenance therapy if their symptoms change or they experience a decline in physical health. Others find that the skills learned in short-term therapy can be used on an ongoing basis, even after therapy has concluded.