Chronic Illness Therapists in Sunnyvale, CA

Photo of Andrea Calvo, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Andrea Calvo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
My name is Andrea Calvo and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (License no. 108211). My focus balances an exploration of past strengths and present goals. I can help with aging, chronic illness, coping skills, grief, stress, anxiety, depression, and more. I work with an adult population. I do have specialty in working with an older adult population. My theoretical approach when working with clients involves a cognitive behavioral approach, as well as solution focused therapy. I believe that change happens through empowerment.
My name is Andrea Calvo and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (License no. 108211). My focus balances an exploration of past strengths and present goals. I can help with aging, chronic illness, coping skills, grief, stress, anxiety, depression, and more. I work with an adult population. I do have specialty in working with an older adult population. My theoretical approach when working with clients involves a cognitive behavioral approach, as well as solution focused therapy. I believe that change happens through empowerment.
(619) 658-4473 View (619) 658-4473
Photo of Janet Barkin Jacobi, MA, JD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Janet Barkin Jacobi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, JD
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
I primarily see individual adult clients. I take a collaborative approach and provide the support, patience and compassion necessary to promote change and growth. I feel fortunate to work in private practice and at a local hospital. I see a diverse population of clients and have exposure to a wide variety of issues and diagnoses: anxiety, depression, ADHD, domestic violence/trauma, work stress, parenting, relationship problems, grief/loss, chronic illness/pain, assertiveness/self-esteem, gender incongruence, caregiver stress and life transitions (going to college, having a baby, getting married/divorced, moving, changing jobs).
I primarily see individual adult clients. I take a collaborative approach and provide the support, patience and compassion necessary to promote change and growth. I feel fortunate to work in private practice and at a local hospital. I see a diverse population of clients and have exposure to a wide variety of issues and diagnoses: anxiety, depression, ADHD, domestic violence/trauma, work stress, parenting, relationship problems, grief/loss, chronic illness/pain, assertiveness/self-esteem, gender incongruence, caregiver stress and life transitions (going to college, having a baby, getting married/divorced, moving, changing jobs).
(408) 337-6829 View (408) 337-6829
Photo of Heather Litke, LPC, Counselor
Heather Litke
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Hello, I'm Heather Litke, a licensed professional counselor. It is my honor and joy to support and witness people creating their inner strength. As a seasoned counselor, I have had the opportunity to assist clients in self-discovery and transforming blocks to a happy and fulfilling life. I draw from a tool kit of CBT, Humanistic, Insight Oriented, and Spiritual approaches to support clients in achieving desired changes. My specialties are anxiety, depression, substance abuse, chronic illness, non-medical pain management, and more.
Hello, I'm Heather Litke, a licensed professional counselor. It is my honor and joy to support and witness people creating their inner strength. As a seasoned counselor, I have had the opportunity to assist clients in self-discovery and transforming blocks to a happy and fulfilling life. I draw from a tool kit of CBT, Humanistic, Insight Oriented, and Spiritual approaches to support clients in achieving desired changes. My specialties are anxiety, depression, substance abuse, chronic illness, non-medical pain management, and more.
(209) 989-1564 View (209) 989-1564
Photo of Erica Feldman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Erica Feldman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94087  (Online Only)
My focus is on assisting those clients with issues they need greater support on – grief, chronic illness, chronic pain, and Highly Sensitive Persons (HSP). The misunderstood nature of health issues such as fibromyalgia, lupus, and headaches can lead to disruption in clients' lives and relationships, and grieving the healthy self is not unusual. HSPs experience the world with a heightened perspective, often finding interactions and sensory stimulation difficult as well as health challenges. Navigating such a world often requires more support and validation, which psychotherapy can provide.
My focus is on assisting those clients with issues they need greater support on – grief, chronic illness, chronic pain, and Highly Sensitive Persons (HSP). The misunderstood nature of health issues such as fibromyalgia, lupus, and headaches can lead to disruption in clients' lives and relationships, and grieving the healthy self is not unusual. HSPs experience the world with a heightened perspective, often finding interactions and sensory stimulation difficult as well as health challenges. Navigating such a world often requires more support and validation, which psychotherapy can provide.
(415) 687-4247 View (415) 687-4247
Photo of Charity Hernandez, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Charity Hernandez
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Sunnyvale, CA 94086  (Online Only)
One thing I have learned and experienced myself with struggles, is that you do not have to be alone. My therapeutic approach is tailored to your unique journey, placing emphasis on creating a safe environment that encourages open and sincere dialogue. I work with Teens, women, and men who struggle with Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and daily life struggles by introducing strategies and tools designed for you and with you. I will help inspire you to face challenges head-on and grow stronger by equipping you with practical tools to use to help you mange daily life.
One thing I have learned and experienced myself with struggles, is that you do not have to be alone. My therapeutic approach is tailored to your unique journey, placing emphasis on creating a safe environment that encourages open and sincere dialogue. I work with Teens, women, and men who struggle with Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and daily life struggles by introducing strategies and tools designed for you and with you. I will help inspire you to face challenges head-on and grow stronger by equipping you with practical tools to use to help you mange daily life.
(909) 743-5156 View (909) 743-5156
Photo of Itzuri Angela Hurtado, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Itzuri Angela Hurtado
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
I am a Bilingual Mental health therapist with more than 10 years of experience providing services in English and Spanish. Currently providing affordable, engaging, multi-cultural services in California. Services are tailored to a busy lifestyle through the flexibility of both online and in-person sessions available at your discretion. Specializing in children, teens, families, couples, and adults who are struggling with depression, substance use, anxiety, ADHD, suicidal thoughts, self-harm behaviors, trauma, abuse and neglect, relational problems, anger, autism, and severe mental health.
I am a Bilingual Mental health therapist with more than 10 years of experience providing services in English and Spanish. Currently providing affordable, engaging, multi-cultural services in California. Services are tailored to a busy lifestyle through the flexibility of both online and in-person sessions available at your discretion. Specializing in children, teens, families, couples, and adults who are struggling with depression, substance use, anxiety, ADHD, suicidal thoughts, self-harm behaviors, trauma, abuse and neglect, relational problems, anger, autism, and severe mental health.
(650) 459-4517 View (650) 459-4517
Photo of Julie Tucker, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Julie Tucker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Julie Tucker, LCSW I offer a compassionate and professional approach to helping clients overcome emotional distress and find peace of mind. My therapeutic approach is client centered. I use a variety of therapeutic techniques, focusing on your specific concerns and needs. Specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, and women's issues, I am passionate about supporting individuals in overcoming obstacles and building resilience. With a strengths-based model and trauma-informed approach, I offer holistic and integrated therapy to help clients cultivate self-awareness, compassion, and emotional wellness.
Julie Tucker, LCSW I offer a compassionate and professional approach to helping clients overcome emotional distress and find peace of mind. My therapeutic approach is client centered. I use a variety of therapeutic techniques, focusing on your specific concerns and needs. Specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, and women's issues, I am passionate about supporting individuals in overcoming obstacles and building resilience. With a strengths-based model and trauma-informed approach, I offer holistic and integrated therapy to help clients cultivate self-awareness, compassion, and emotional wellness.
(650) 525-2750 View (650) 525-2750
Photo of Yelena Alper, MA, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Yelena Alper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
I am offering tele-therapy through video and/or phone . I offer supportive / transformative psychotherapy for a variety of issues and concerns including relationship conflicts, grief and loss, stress management, depression, anxiety, trauma, family and marriage relationships, including sexual and intimacy issues in relationship. I assist clients in finding happier and healthier ways of being in their lives, help them to enhance communication skills; promoting positive and lasting change.
I am offering tele-therapy through video and/or phone . I offer supportive / transformative psychotherapy for a variety of issues and concerns including relationship conflicts, grief and loss, stress management, depression, anxiety, trauma, family and marriage relationships, including sexual and intimacy issues in relationship. I assist clients in finding happier and healthier ways of being in their lives, help them to enhance communication skills; promoting positive and lasting change.
(650) 683-4065 View (650) 683-4065
Photo of Liana Kostandyan, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Liana Kostandyan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Have you ever asked yourself if a positive change can happen when you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel? I will say, “Yes, it can!” I am a psychotherapist specializing in treatment for depressive disorders, PTSD, anxiety, impulse control, grief, trauma, and substance use disorders in adolescents and adults. My practice focuses on targeting ineffective behaviors, habits, and beliefs that affect activities of daily functioning. I meet my clients where they are and help them learn how to cope effectively with life stressors to building healthier relationships with themselves and their loved ones.
Have you ever asked yourself if a positive change can happen when you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel? I will say, “Yes, it can!” I am a psychotherapist specializing in treatment for depressive disorders, PTSD, anxiety, impulse control, grief, trauma, and substance use disorders in adolescents and adults. My practice focuses on targeting ineffective behaviors, habits, and beliefs that affect activities of daily functioning. I meet my clients where they are and help them learn how to cope effectively with life stressors to building healthier relationships with themselves and their loved ones.
(650) 297-0589 View (650) 297-0589
Photo of Kimberly VanKirk, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kimberly VanKirk
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Hi there, my name is Kim VanKirk and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I provide telehealth mental health therapy and specialize in treating adults with anxiety disorders, trauma and stress related disorders and perinatal mood disorders. I use a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, EMDR, Mindfulness and Meditation and Solution Focused Therapy to help my clients meet their goals.
Hi there, my name is Kim VanKirk and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I provide telehealth mental health therapy and specialize in treating adults with anxiety disorders, trauma and stress related disorders and perinatal mood disorders. I use a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, EMDR, Mindfulness and Meditation and Solution Focused Therapy to help my clients meet their goals.
(650) 582-2195 View (650) 582-2195
Photo of Kathleen O'Shea Kesten, RN, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kathleen O'Shea Kesten
Marriage & Family Therapist, RN, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Often a person will seek out counseling when personal attempts to solve a problem have not worked. Therapy is a safe and supportive environment in which to explore very personal concerns - concerns that may be difficult to share even with those closest to you. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I can provide a different kind of support than family and friends; I will listen objectively, not be judgmental, and help you to find your own solutions. My role is to help you feel better and to assist you to acheive your own personal goals.
Often a person will seek out counseling when personal attempts to solve a problem have not worked. Therapy is a safe and supportive environment in which to explore very personal concerns - concerns that may be difficult to share even with those closest to you. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I can provide a different kind of support than family and friends; I will listen objectively, not be judgmental, and help you to find your own solutions. My role is to help you feel better and to assist you to acheive your own personal goals.
(408) 548-7024 View (408) 548-7024
SF Bay Therapist Group
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Hello, We are a diverse group of therapists for the diverse and unique children, adults and couples of the California bay area. We create supportive and confidential environment for clients wanting to improve their mental health conditions of Anxiety, ADHD, PTSD/ trauma, depression and relational issues with treatment through Mindfulness based CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic, Narrative, EMDR, EFT, Imago and Solution Focused therapy modalities, to name few. Please, visit us on www.sfbaytherapistgroup.com to read more about our treatments, therapists and client services.
Hello, We are a diverse group of therapists for the diverse and unique children, adults and couples of the California bay area. We create supportive and confidential environment for clients wanting to improve their mental health conditions of Anxiety, ADHD, PTSD/ trauma, depression and relational issues with treatment through Mindfulness based CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic, Narrative, EMDR, EFT, Imago and Solution Focused therapy modalities, to name few. Please, visit us on www.sfbaytherapistgroup.com to read more about our treatments, therapists and client services.
(650) 535-8182 View (650) 535-8182
Photo of Kelly Koken, MBA, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kelly Koken
Marriage & Family Therapist, MBA, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sunnyvale, CA 94087  (Online Only)
Are you feeling stuck in life? Does stress at work, from life, from family, your partner or friends, feel overwhelming? I believe that we all deserver to live happy, healthy lives. I help adults and adolescents who are struggling with depression, trauma, anxiety, stress, anger, life transitions, or grief. Together we untangle what is holding you back and keeping you from being your best self. Whether you are feeling anxious, depressed, or at your wits' end there is help for you. Together, we will help you get unstuck and cope with your life’s challenges. Let's bring happiness back to your life!
Are you feeling stuck in life? Does stress at work, from life, from family, your partner or friends, feel overwhelming? I believe that we all deserver to live happy, healthy lives. I help adults and adolescents who are struggling with depression, trauma, anxiety, stress, anger, life transitions, or grief. Together we untangle what is holding you back and keeping you from being your best self. Whether you are feeling anxious, depressed, or at your wits' end there is help for you. Together, we will help you get unstuck and cope with your life’s challenges. Let's bring happiness back to your life!
(408) 599-3066 View (408) 599-3066
Photo of Ross Lisman, CP, Psychologist
Ross Lisman
Psychologist, CP
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
I am a licensed clinical psychologist (Ph.D.) and I specialize in helping you along your path to healing using evidence-based practices provided with warmth and care. I want to work with you to both reduce the symptoms that have been interfering with your life and help you to build a life worth living! I have extensive experience working with trauma, anxiety, depression, sleep issues, bipolar disorder, addiction, and borderline personality disorder.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist (Ph.D.) and I specialize in helping you along your path to healing using evidence-based practices provided with warmth and care. I want to work with you to both reduce the symptoms that have been interfering with your life and help you to build a life worth living! I have extensive experience working with trauma, anxiety, depression, sleep issues, bipolar disorder, addiction, and borderline personality disorder.
(510) 904-0429 View (510) 904-0429
Photo of Holly Adams, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Holly Adams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Hi, I'm Holly Adams, a Licensed Psychotherapist with over 21 years of experience providing counseling to help people make meaningful changes in their lives. I help people with things like anxiety, depression, dipolar disorder, and coping skills, and I enjoy working with people dealing with cancer, autoimmune disorders, and other serious health issues. I tailor my therapeutic approach to meet your unique needs, drawing from various models of psychotherapy including, cognitive behavior, humanistic, solution-focused, and problem-solving methods.
Hi, I'm Holly Adams, a Licensed Psychotherapist with over 21 years of experience providing counseling to help people make meaningful changes in their lives. I help people with things like anxiety, depression, dipolar disorder, and coping skills, and I enjoy working with people dealing with cancer, autoimmune disorders, and other serious health issues. I tailor my therapeutic approach to meet your unique needs, drawing from various models of psychotherapy including, cognitive behavior, humanistic, solution-focused, and problem-solving methods.
(619) 349-6781 View (619) 349-6781
Photo of Ashley Ah Hyun Lee, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ashley Ah Hyun Lee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sunnyvale, CA 94086  (Online Only)
We specialize in Trauma and PTSD. We work with individual adults who have a long history of childhood trauma, sexual violence and abuse, difficult family dynamics, intergenerational trauma, cultural differences with their parents, family members with substance use issues, social anxiety, phobia, and depression. We help you process what happened, attend to and be with your emotions without dissociating, and rather find relief from sharing the stories. We also work with people whose doctors have recommended seeking trauma therapy like EMDR therapy.
We specialize in Trauma and PTSD. We work with individual adults who have a long history of childhood trauma, sexual violence and abuse, difficult family dynamics, intergenerational trauma, cultural differences with their parents, family members with substance use issues, social anxiety, phobia, and depression. We help you process what happened, attend to and be with your emotions without dissociating, and rather find relief from sharing the stories. We also work with people whose doctors have recommended seeking trauma therapy like EMDR therapy.
(650) 955-4312 View (650) 955-4312
Photo of Briana Barrera, Pre-Licensed Professional
Briana Barrera
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Briana is extremely compassionate, attuned, non-judgmental, and deeply cares about her clients. She is an advanced practitioner in CBT, DBT, and EMDR Phase I-III. She most recently worked as a psychotherapist at Mental Health America Los Angeles Wellness Center (MHALA) and was widely loved by her clients. Briana has worked with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, family crisis, and relationship conflicts.
Briana is extremely compassionate, attuned, non-judgmental, and deeply cares about her clients. She is an advanced practitioner in CBT, DBT, and EMDR Phase I-III. She most recently worked as a psychotherapist at Mental Health America Los Angeles Wellness Center (MHALA) and was widely loved by her clients. Briana has worked with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, family crisis, and relationship conflicts.
(310) 807-2734 View (310) 807-2734
Photo of Julie Colfax, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Julie Colfax
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Hello, I am Julie Pennington (previously Colfax) LMFT. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I work with people of all ages, levels of development, abilities, and stages of life. My focus is on you, your goals for yourself, and your family in the therapy space. The majority of the clients I see working to recover from trauma and minimize the impact or development of trauma responses (Acute Stress Disorder or PTSD), dealing with depression (bipolar or unipolar), anxiety, neuro-divergent and differently-abled, wanting to improve emotional management skills or work through substance use and addiction challenges.
Hello, I am Julie Pennington (previously Colfax) LMFT. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I work with people of all ages, levels of development, abilities, and stages of life. My focus is on you, your goals for yourself, and your family in the therapy space. The majority of the clients I see working to recover from trauma and minimize the impact or development of trauma responses (Acute Stress Disorder or PTSD), dealing with depression (bipolar or unipolar), anxiety, neuro-divergent and differently-abled, wanting to improve emotional management skills or work through substance use and addiction challenges.
(805) 600-8854 View (805) 600-8854
Photo of Andrew Brown, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Andrew Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
I continue to be thrilled by the capacity of humans to thrive in the face of even impossible challenges, and by feeling the spirit they draw upon to do so. Just as humbling is recognizing how much that ability can wither or grow from subtle but profound shifts of thought and emotion.
I continue to be thrilled by the capacity of humans to thrive in the face of even impossible challenges, and by feeling the spirit they draw upon to do so. Just as humbling is recognizing how much that ability can wither or grow from subtle but profound shifts of thought and emotion.
(650) 900-9899 View (650) 900-9899
Photo of Sushma S Trivedi, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sushma S Trivedi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
I believe that all clients have the resources within them to resolve the emotional and social challenges they are presented with in life. I work with individuals and couples, as well as children and adolescents on a range of problems. Couples counseling, separation and divorce, blended and extended family issues, parenting, behavioral problems in children and teenagers, multi-cultural issues, depression, and domestic violence are areas of particular interest for me. I grew up in India and have been in the US since 1981. I am intimately familiar with the two cultures.
I believe that all clients have the resources within them to resolve the emotional and social challenges they are presented with in life. I work with individuals and couples, as well as children and adolescents on a range of problems. Couples counseling, separation and divorce, blended and extended family issues, parenting, behavioral problems in children and teenagers, multi-cultural issues, depression, and domestic violence are areas of particular interest for me. I grew up in India and have been in the US since 1981. I am intimately familiar with the two cultures.
(408) 898-9470 View (408) 898-9470
1
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.