Chronic Illness Therapists in Minneapolis, MN
Kaitlyn Valdez
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Trauma, chronic illness(es), and eating disorders are intense, unique experiences that can change the way we think, respond, and prepare for day-to-day activities. It can also change the way our body functions on a basic level. My goal is to provide a comfortable environment where everyone can explore traumas, create coping skills, and gain self-confidence. It is within a safe, comforting environment that people have the potential to create meaningful change in their lives.
Trauma, chronic illness(es), and eating disorders are intense, unique experiences that can change the way we think, respond, and prepare for day-to-day activities. It can also change the way our body functions on a basic level. My goal is to provide a comfortable environment where everyone can explore traumas, create coping skills, and gain self-confidence. It is within a safe, comforting environment that people have the potential to create meaningful change in their lives.
"I have found, through painful experience, that the most important step a person can take is always the next one.” -Brandon Sanderson Let me help you take the next step. I enjoy providing therapy for queer folx, chronic illness, nerds, adolescents, young adults, college students, and families. I have special interests in all things nerdy, sex, trauma, and exploring identities (gender, sexuality). I primarily work from a feminist, anti-capitalist, and strength-based perspective. My ideal client wants a strong therapeutic relationship with an affirming and relatable therapist.
"I have found, through painful experience, that the most important step a person can take is always the next one.” -Brandon Sanderson Let me help you take the next step. I enjoy providing therapy for queer folx, chronic illness, nerds, adolescents, young adults, college students, and families. I have special interests in all things nerdy, sex, trauma, and exploring identities (gender, sexuality). I primarily work from a feminist, anti-capitalist, and strength-based perspective. My ideal client wants a strong therapeutic relationship with an affirming and relatable therapist.
My passion is for clients I love to call Misfits and Sensitives -- artists, geeks/nerds, kink/BDSM folk, ethical nonmonogamists including polyamorists, Pagans and other religious minorities, witches, punks, activists, healthcare providers, folks with chronic illness/physical disability.
You're sure the average therapist can't handle or accept you, because that's what you get everywhere else you go. School, work, almost everywhere, it's been an uphill struggle to fit in and feel understood -- IF you even bother anymore. If you DO find YOUR people, YOUR tribe, you spend the whole time secretly terrified they'll figure out you're not good enough and kick you out. You've been burned a few too many times, which just reinforces your belief that you'll never belong. All that rejection and pain sits in your body and spirit, grinding you down every day. But there's still part of you that believes you can find your place.
My passion is for clients I love to call Misfits and Sensitives -- artists, geeks/nerds, kink/BDSM folk, ethical nonmonogamists including polyamorists, Pagans and other religious minorities, witches, punks, activists, healthcare providers, folks with chronic illness/physical disability.
You're sure the average therapist can't handle or accept you, because that's what you get everywhere else you go. School, work, almost everywhere, it's been an uphill struggle to fit in and feel understood -- IF you even bother anymore. If you DO find YOUR people, YOUR tribe, you spend the whole time secretly terrified they'll figure out you're not good enough and kick you out. You've been burned a few too many times, which just reinforces your belief that you'll never belong. All that rejection and pain sits in your body and spirit, grinding you down every day. But there's still part of you that believes you can find your place.
Cara Snyder
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LIMHP, CMSW, LISW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55403 (Online Only)
I have therapeutic experience working with Adolescents, Adults, and Adults 65+ who are struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Chronic Illness, Life Transitions, Setting Boundaries, Identity Issues, and Developing Healthy Coping Skills.
Change. Anxiety. Feeling stuck. Confusion. Loss. Chronic illness. Depression. Sleep. Relationships. Stress. Life feels like a struggle. Together we will develop a plan that uses evidence-based methods to help you identify and achieve your goals. I value your unique story and am dedicated to helping you stay motivated as you take steps toward improved mental wellness.
I have therapeutic experience working with Adolescents, Adults, and Adults 65+ who are struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Chronic Illness, Life Transitions, Setting Boundaries, Identity Issues, and Developing Healthy Coping Skills.
Change. Anxiety. Feeling stuck. Confusion. Loss. Chronic illness. Depression. Sleep. Relationships. Stress. Life feels like a struggle. Together we will develop a plan that uses evidence-based methods to help you identify and achieve your goals. I value your unique story and am dedicated to helping you stay motivated as you take steps toward improved mental wellness.
Stacey M. Allen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CCLS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55405
Stacey provides therapy services to individuals, families, couples, teens, children, and health workers who are living with cancer, chronic illness, medical issues, or grief, personally or in their close circle. Stacey has served families around medical concerns in many contexts including 10 years in group private practice, as a Child Life Specialist in local hospitals, 8 years of weekly support groups at Gilda's Club for adults living with cancer, grief support groups, and speaking engagements. Stacey assists clients during long and short term illness, through post-treatment, in the event of terminal diagnosis, and through grief.
Stacey provides therapy services to individuals, families, couples, teens, children, and health workers who are living with cancer, chronic illness, medical issues, or grief, personally or in their close circle. Stacey has served families around medical concerns in many contexts including 10 years in group private practice, as a Child Life Specialist in local hospitals, 8 years of weekly support groups at Gilda's Club for adults living with cancer, grief support groups, and speaking engagements. Stacey assists clients during long and short term illness, through post-treatment, in the event of terminal diagnosis, and through grief.
I also work with people suffering from chronic illness, particularly those that are not readily evident.
I frequently hear my clients say some version of “If people ever knew what I’m struggling with on the inside…” Maybe you're a "people-pleaser" or someone with invisible chronic illness or maybe you're a high functioning individual who manages to hold it all together while feeling like a mess on the inside. If you're searching for some space to be heard and understood and sift through the internal dynamics, I can help.
I also work with people suffering from chronic illness, particularly those that are not readily evident.
I frequently hear my clients say some version of “If people ever knew what I’m struggling with on the inside…” Maybe you're a "people-pleaser" or someone with invisible chronic illness or maybe you're a high functioning individual who manages to hold it all together while feeling like a mess on the inside. If you're searching for some space to be heard and understood and sift through the internal dynamics, I can help.
My specialty is with people experiencing a chronic illness or health condition. I also enjoy helping individuals with anxiety and stress, boundaries and communication with family, and significant life stressors. I also work with couples on communication, conflict and life transitions, such as parenthood or with a medical diagnosis in the family.
My specialty is with people experiencing a chronic illness or health condition. I also enjoy helping individuals with anxiety and stress, boundaries and communication with family, and significant life stressors. I also work with couples on communication, conflict and life transitions, such as parenthood or with a medical diagnosis in the family.
I am a firm believer that understanding how health concerns & physical symptoms can show up hand in hand with mental health is very valuable. I believe that the better you understand how your body & mind interact, the more ability you will have to manage the symptoms of both. I offer general therapy but have a special focus on Trauma, Narrative & Mind Body connection. My background in medicine also helps in educating individuals with chronic illness about how their mental health is impacted by their illness & vice versa. My time in EMS can aid in working with individuals from the military, emergency services & medical personnel.
I am a firm believer that understanding how health concerns & physical symptoms can show up hand in hand with mental health is very valuable. I believe that the better you understand how your body & mind interact, the more ability you will have to manage the symptoms of both. I offer general therapy but have a special focus on Trauma, Narrative & Mind Body connection. My background in medicine also helps in educating individuals with chronic illness about how their mental health is impacted by their illness & vice versa. My time in EMS can aid in working with individuals from the military, emergency services & medical personnel.
Michelle Johnson-Dupre
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55410
I enjoy supporting adults and adolescents as they discover their inherent health on a path of healing and transformation. I have worked with individuals and families experiencing the impact of new parenthood, chronic illness, professional or school-related stress, death and dying, and other life-changing events. I also have extensive experience teaching, coaching and assisting teens in identifying and meeting their goals.
I enjoy supporting adults and adolescents as they discover their inherent health on a path of healing and transformation. I have worked with individuals and families experiencing the impact of new parenthood, chronic illness, professional or school-related stress, death and dying, and other life-changing events. I also have extensive experience teaching, coaching and assisting teens in identifying and meeting their goals.
I have the honor of working with people experiencing a wide variety of concerns including: depression; anxiety; grief/loss; life transitions; chronic illness; postpartum depression; sexual abuse; relationship problems; low self-esteem; family of origin; stress and more. My relational approach is based on the belief that within the framework of a trusting relationship with a therapist, clients can explore patterns of behavior and emotions which may relate back to earlier relationships. Once a better understanding of the origins of these patterns is developed, people often find lasting freedom from their hold over their lives.
I have the honor of working with people experiencing a wide variety of concerns including: depression; anxiety; grief/loss; life transitions; chronic illness; postpartum depression; sexual abuse; relationship problems; low self-esteem; family of origin; stress and more. My relational approach is based on the belief that within the framework of a trusting relationship with a therapist, clients can explore patterns of behavior and emotions which may relate back to earlier relationships. Once a better understanding of the origins of these patterns is developed, people often find lasting freedom from their hold over their lives.
Leah Bonine
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55415
My areas of professional interest include: anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic illness, disability, sexuality, and gender exploration.
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. I work from a trauma-informed, harm reduction, sex positive, attachment-based lens. I specialize in working with adults from diverse backgrounds, particularly the LGBTQ+ community. I see clients for individual therapy. I especially enjoy working with creative people and have a deep understanding of the creative process. I am trained in EMDR, AEDP and DBT.
My areas of professional interest include: anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic illness, disability, sexuality, and gender exploration.
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. I work from a trauma-informed, harm reduction, sex positive, attachment-based lens. I specialize in working with adults from diverse backgrounds, particularly the LGBTQ+ community. I see clients for individual therapy. I especially enjoy working with creative people and have a deep understanding of the creative process. I am trained in EMDR, AEDP and DBT.
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I specialize in LGBTQ+, Trauma (PTSD), Mood Disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, and living with Chronic Illness.
I specialize in LGBTQ+, Trauma (PTSD), Mood Disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, and living with Chronic Illness.
I also work with folks on parenthood, grief, and chronic illness.
In therapy I value equity, collaboration, humor, and patience. I believe in a holistic approach where we see you not as a set of symptoms, but as a whole, complex, capable human being. You are the expert in your own life– in our work I will strive to provide support, reflection, and camaraderie as you seek out a life that fulfills you. I love working with couples, families, adults, and teenagers. As a queer, non-binary therapist, I prioritize creating a safe and affirming experience for queer and LGBTQ+ folks.
I also work with folks on parenthood, grief, and chronic illness.
In therapy I value equity, collaboration, humor, and patience. I believe in a holistic approach where we see you not as a set of symptoms, but as a whole, complex, capable human being. You are the expert in your own life– in our work I will strive to provide support, reflection, and camaraderie as you seek out a life that fulfills you. I love working with couples, families, adults, and teenagers. As a queer, non-binary therapist, I prioritize creating a safe and affirming experience for queer and LGBTQ+ folks.
Maya Bergman-Corbet
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LGSW
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55406 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I enjoy working with individuals and families around self-regulation, coping with stress, identity exploration, and family dynamics. I focus on nervous system regulation, stress management, and working on self-compassion and values. I have a particular interest in working with reproductive health, postpartum, neurodiversity, queerness and polyamory, chronic illness and anxiety. My practice is grounded in anti-oppressive and liberation ethics.
I enjoy working with individuals and families around self-regulation, coping with stress, identity exploration, and family dynamics. I focus on nervous system regulation, stress management, and working on self-compassion and values. I have a particular interest in working with reproductive health, postpartum, neurodiversity, queerness and polyamory, chronic illness and anxiety. My practice is grounded in anti-oppressive and liberation ethics.
Xavier Schmitz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55417
Issues addressed may include: depression, anxiety, fear of exercising outdoors, trauma recovery, climate distress, gender identity, relationship concerns, sexuality, identity development, chronic illness, and life transitions.
Whether you’re a nature lover or nature avoider, love to move your body or can’t stand to break a sweat, this therapy is for you. With today’s stressors, we all need nature more than ever. Take your therapy outdoors and gain the benefits of moving your eyes off the screen, engaging your senses, and really feeling your body in nature...all while addressing your personal goals.
Issues addressed may include: depression, anxiety, fear of exercising outdoors, trauma recovery, climate distress, gender identity, relationship concerns, sexuality, identity development, chronic illness, and life transitions.
Whether you’re a nature lover or nature avoider, love to move your body or can’t stand to break a sweat, this therapy is for you. With today’s stressors, we all need nature more than ever. Take your therapy outdoors and gain the benefits of moving your eyes off the screen, engaging your senses, and really feeling your body in nature...all while addressing your personal goals.
Emily (Emy) Horsey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, LICSW
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55408 (Online Only)
Sometimes in life we can feel like we have no control over what is happening, the paths our relationships are taking, or what the future might have in store for us. We can get to a place where we are stuck in a continuous cycle of negative thinking, gloomy feelings, and ineffective behaviors. I provide therapy to individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, life transitions, relationship changes/separation, substance use issues, stress management, academic challenges, sports/performance concerns, chronic illness, sexuality/gender identity issues, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia spectrum, and life balance.
Sometimes in life we can feel like we have no control over what is happening, the paths our relationships are taking, or what the future might have in store for us. We can get to a place where we are stuck in a continuous cycle of negative thinking, gloomy feelings, and ineffective behaviors. I provide therapy to individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, life transitions, relationship changes/separation, substance use issues, stress management, academic challenges, sports/performance concerns, chronic illness, sexuality/gender identity issues, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia spectrum, and life balance.
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in evidence-based psychotherapy for adolescents, adults, couples and families. I have an expertise in evaluating and treating anxiety, depression, trauma, current life stressors and transitions, grief, loss, and relationship difficulties. I also have specialized training and experience in working with mental health issues across the female lifecycle, chronic illness, and pain. Before moving to Minnesota, I served as faculty at Weill Cornell Medical Center and Columbia University Medical Center in New York and Case Western School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio.
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in evidence-based psychotherapy for adolescents, adults, couples and families. I have an expertise in evaluating and treating anxiety, depression, trauma, current life stressors and transitions, grief, loss, and relationship difficulties. I also have specialized training and experience in working with mental health issues across the female lifecycle, chronic illness, and pain. Before moving to Minnesota, I served as faculty at Weill Cornell Medical Center and Columbia University Medical Center in New York and Case Western School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio.
I'm taking new clients for November! My passions are relationships and how we process trauma. I love to explore how systemic and societal power structures influence how we connect with our partners, family members, and friends. I work with couples, families, and individuals in areas such as polyamory, boundaries, queerness, anxiety/depression, sex and sexuality, trauma, stress, life transitions, chronic illness, and anything else that affects our ability to be authentically and safely ourselves. I'm now also trained in brainspotting for individuals looking to process trauma.
I'm taking new clients for November! My passions are relationships and how we process trauma. I love to explore how systemic and societal power structures influence how we connect with our partners, family members, and friends. I work with couples, families, and individuals in areas such as polyamory, boundaries, queerness, anxiety/depression, sex and sexuality, trauma, stress, life transitions, chronic illness, and anything else that affects our ability to be authentically and safely ourselves. I'm now also trained in brainspotting for individuals looking to process trauma.
My areas of focus center around coping with change, chronic stress, and grief & loss--- anxiety & depression, aging, life transition, chronic illness , infertility, caregiving, and parenting are special interests.
Has life brought an overwhelming amount of changes and challenges? Are you seeking help to make peace with the past & find a path through your difficulties? Do you need to explore new ways of approaching life instead of the old patterns? Healing is possible, and as a compassionate and trained listener I will partner with you on your own unique journey toward growth & peace as you face your struggles. A warm & trusting therapy relationship helps you take the risk of exploring, understanding and accepting yourself so that you can open up to new tools for moving forward.
My areas of focus center around coping with change, chronic stress, and grief & loss--- anxiety & depression, aging, life transition, chronic illness , infertility, caregiving, and parenting are special interests.
Has life brought an overwhelming amount of changes and challenges? Are you seeking help to make peace with the past & find a path through your difficulties? Do you need to explore new ways of approaching life instead of the old patterns? Healing is possible, and as a compassionate and trained listener I will partner with you on your own unique journey toward growth & peace as you face your struggles. A warm & trusting therapy relationship helps you take the risk of exploring, understanding and accepting yourself so that you can open up to new tools for moving forward.
Our specialties include addiction and compulsive behaviors (substance use and food), aging challenges, EMDR, grief and loss, relationship issues, trauma, chronic illness, mood/anxiety disorders, and perinatal mental health.
At Be. Counseling Partners we will support you throughout your therapy process. We will help you to identify your needs for support and your goals for change. Sometimes the desired change is internal; we want to think or feel differently about things, including ourselves. Sometimes the change we seek is about behavior; we want to react in different ways in relationships and situations in our lives. Sometimes the change is about acceptance; we seek acceptance of who we are or things we cannot control. It would be our privilege to accompany you in your change process.
Our specialties include addiction and compulsive behaviors (substance use and food), aging challenges, EMDR, grief and loss, relationship issues, trauma, chronic illness, mood/anxiety disorders, and perinatal mental health.
At Be. Counseling Partners we will support you throughout your therapy process. We will help you to identify your needs for support and your goals for change. Sometimes the desired change is internal; we want to think or feel differently about things, including ourselves. Sometimes the change we seek is about behavior; we want to react in different ways in relationships and situations in our lives. Sometimes the change is about acceptance; we seek acceptance of who we are or things we cannot control. It would be our privilege to accompany you in your change process.
See more therapy options for Minneapolis
Nearby Chronic Illness Therapists Searches for Minneapolis
- Bloomington
- Brooklyn Park
- Columbia Heights
- Edina
- Fridley
- Golden Valley
- Hopkins
- Minnetonka
- New Brighton
- Plymouth
- Richfield
- Saint Louis Park
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.