Chronic Illness Therapists in Chicago, IL

The therapeutic experience is as unique as one’s thumb print. I strive to help you achieve your goals in navigating life’s transitions and challenges by creating a safe place for you to process your feelings and concerns. It takes courage and strength to reach out and ask for help. I work collaboratively with each client to establish the best treatment plan based on their needs at the time we meet. I am supportive, non-judgmental and warm - with a calm style… and some humor.

Major life changes, such as being diagnosed with a chronic illness, starting a new career path, losing a loved one, or becoming a caregiver, can be overwhelming. They can make us question our values, goals, and sense of self. In these pivotal moments, therapy becomes a powerful tool to navigate our journey, make meaning and find our authentic voices. It's time to give yourself permission to evolve and embrace the process of self-discovery.

You already know the areas of your life that are holding you back, but you don't know where to start - which has led you here. Maybe anxiety is causing you to avoid the people, places, and activities you used to enjoy. Maybe chronic illness makes you disconnect from the things you value due to exhaustion and overwhelm. Maybe intrusive thoughts about causing harm, contamination, your identity, or about other scary topics take up your whole day. You worry that things will never feel "normal" again. You'd like to be able to work through the anxiety and frustration these things cause, and start living your life again.

Dr. Feuer is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the Director of Health Psychology at IPD/DMG. She completed the majority of her clinical training in medical hospitals and outpatient settings. She additionally works as an adjunct faculty member for the PsyD Clinical Psychology program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Feuer’s areas of expertise include adults (18+) living with chronic medical illnesses, and has particular experience with clients diagnosed with cancer, cardiovascular, and transplant-related diagnoses. She also has experience working with caregivers of individuals living with chronic illness.

I have a passion for helping individuals and couples navigate a range of behavioral, emotional, physical, and spiritual concerns. My experiences have not only provided me with an in-depth knowledge of psychological theories and evidence-based interventions, but also an intimate understanding that healing and growth through psychotherapy cannot take place without a strong acceptance, appreciation, and integration of the unique strengths, needs, and identities of those with whom I work. My responsibility as your therapist is to walk alongside you in a collaborative manner that will help facilitate the change and healing you desire.

If you are coping with depression or anxiety, chronic illness, taking care of an aging parent, or bereavement, you might feel like you don’t know what to do next. You’re probably trying to find ways to deal with stress while also managing the day-to-day realities that can make it tough to prioritize your emotional health. It can be hard to even stay grounded, let alone imagine forging a life of meaning and purpose in the wake of significant change. Therapy with a knowledgeable and compassionate therapist can help you gain a sense of control over your choices, develop coping skills, and effectively process what you are going through.

Are you a chronically ill person who feels unheard or dismissed? Are you struggling with navigating life as a Queer, TGNC, poly, or kinky person? Or with AFAB-specific health conditions (Endometriosis, etc.)? My work centers marginalized identities, including those who are chronically ill, disabled, queer, TGNC, poly, and/or kinky. My lived experiences navigating chronic illness, ableism, survivorship, and Bi+ invisibility have taught me compassion and the importance of rest as an act of resistance against oppressive systems. In the words of Audre Lorde, self-care “is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”

As a therapist, my goal is to co-create an authentic, safe, and courageous relationship with each unique individual. I firmly believe that within a strong therapeutic bond, beautiful transformations can unfold. My approach to therapy is characterized by openness, collaboration, affirmation, and honesty. I bring my full humanity into the therapeutic space and encourage each client to do the same. I utilize a blend of theoretical frameworks such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Somatically-Integrated Therapy, Art Therapy, "parts" work, and Feminist Therapy.

Are you or a loved one facing the challenges of living with a chronic illness? Between managing appointments, navigating the medical system, understanding your condition and your medications, recovering from hospital stays, and many more... it can become overwhelming. The mind and the body influence each other, and it's important to actively manage mental health when living with chronic illness. My speciality is in navigating mental health in chronic illness. I can support you in finding the balance and living a life of value.

I take a compassionate, warm, and collaborative approach to connect with my clients and understand their goals for improving their quality of life. If you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed, I can help you to feel empowered to face challenges in your life. I work with clients who have issues related to anxiety, stress, and depression. I also have specialized training in treating insomnia, chronic pain, coping with chronic illness, and coping with the stress of caring for a loved one with chronic illness.

If you're here, I'm guessing you feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or straight up exhausted. Maybe you've always felt different from other people, and you want a therapist who actually understands. You've come to the right place! As an autistic therapist, I strive to provide a safe and comfortable space in which you can explore the thoughts and feelings weighing you down without judgment. My approach is authentic - I want you to feel like you're talking to a real person. In turn, I won't ever ask you to change who you are, but instead, to live fully as the person you want to be.

Are you tired of spending all your time in therapy educating your therapist instead of working on what you need? Looking for a therapist who specializes in struggles with identity, sexual orientation, diverse sexual groups, such as kink/BDSM; relationship orientation such as polyamory, relationship anarchy, or swinging; anxiety, depression, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic illness; secular or alternative faiths such as paganism; and are seeking patient-centered, compassionate, and affirming care?

Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who has been providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families for 29 years. While I received my degrees many years ago and much has changed in my field, I have stayed current in my knowledge of Psychology. I provide therapy to people who are experiencing stress, change and discomfort in their current life. I work with diverse populations with a variety of needs. I visualize therapy as a partnership: you define your goals and we develop ways to help you experience the joy in life, that everyone deserves.

I work together with my clients to help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and self-esteem, manage relationships and life transitions, and provide the tools and resources to express and cope with emotions. I support my clients who feel stuck or dissatisfied gain better insight into negative thought patterns that may be hindering their ability to achieve a fulfilled life. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, with you being the expert of your own life. By working together, I will create an individualized approach tailored specifically to each client in order to best suite your specific needs.

Your heart drops into your stomach and you are at a loss for words. Maybe you feel numb. Maybe you can't stop crying. No matter what your reaction is, your life as you know it has changed in one instance. You've been diagnosed with a terminal or chronic illness. A flood of questions comes to your mind: is this the beginning of the end, how will this effect my career, how do I tell my family? I have dedicated my life to guiding people through the emotional difficulties related to managing conditions such as: mild cognitive impairment, dementia, TBI, stroke, cancer, transplant, and pregnancy/fertility concerns.

I'm a big fan of being human and in my office, I try to empower you to embrace all the messy yet beautiful emotions and experiences that come with being human. Many of life's events such as the diagnosis of a chronic illness, divorce, work or school issues, relationship issues, and life transitions can feel overwhelming with a roller-coaster of emotions. I can offer you a safe, engaging, and non-judgmental space to help you through all the challenges that life brings. I specialize in working with individuals (adolescents ages 5+, young adults, adults) to better manage daily stressors and any expected & unexpected life transitions.

I am here to work with you regarding the things in life where you feel "stuck." You may be stuck for a variety of reasons, including past or current trauma, chronic illness, relationship or work-related stressors, or caring for children or your aging parents. You might be in a heterosexual marriage and realize that you are LGBTQ, and you are scared, wondering how to move forward in a way that is sensitive to your family, and is true to your identity. I have both personal and professional experience with this issue, and I am happy to help you navigate through it.

You are deserving of care and support as you navigate the ups and downs in life. As a therapist, I provide a compassionate, non-judgemental space for clients to work through difficult emotions and experiences while feeling safe, seen, and supported. My goal is for clients to feel a sense of ease when they enter sessions and a sense of understanding and hope when they leave. I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating a range of concerns, including trauma, grief, difficult relationships, chronic illness, disability, neurodivergence, immigration, sexuality, stress, anxiety, and depression.

Whether you're facing difficulties related to anxiety, depression, stress, or grief, I offer a warm, thoughtful space for exploration and growth. I enjoy collaborating with clients who seek to understand their experiences, identify unhelpful patterns, and find meaning and purpose in their lives. Together, we can work to untangle how past and present events have shaped you and discover new ways to care for yourself.