Chronic Illness Therapists in Chicago, IL

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'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 a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive clinical experience working with diverse populations struggling with chronic illness, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and difficulty adjusting to a myriad of life stressors. I have offered trauma informed care and I am knowledgeable of somatic tools used to assist in coping and promote healing. I strive to offer a safe and collaborative therapeutic environment so you can create the change you are seeking.

Asking for help is one of the strongest things you can do, but it can also be one of the hardest because of past experience of not being heard, believed, or supported. Extreme stressors and traumatic events - including new or ongoing health conditions - affect every aspect of our lives and can make relationships - with family, friends, colleagues, and even healthcare providers - very challenging. The impact of these events can make us feel isolated, misunderstood, and unsupported (even by the well-intentioned). They can lead us to make choices we aren't proud of and limit our enjoyment of life in general.

Hello there! My name is Dr. Austin Aibel. I am a licensed clinical psychologist and I specialize in eating disorders and body image issues. I have also done a lot of work with folks struggling with trauma, OCD, chronic illness/complex medical conditions, and identity concerns. I often work with individuals in their teens, twenties, and thirties (but love working with people across the age spectrum). I am passionate about this work and this shows in sessions. I am not a "smile and nod therapist"- Clients have described me as interactive, genuine, and energetic.

I offer neuropsychological assessment services for individuals with known or suspected neurobehavioral changes via comprehensive testing of attention, language, memory, spatial/motor skills, executive functioning and mood. Please note that I do not provide psychotherapy, counseling, or medication-based treatment. Neuropsychological assessment involves testing of cognitive skills (i.e., attention, memory, etc) and mood/personality. Testing sessions are 4 hours in length. Results are included in a report that is reviewed with the patient and sent to their referring provider within approximately 2-4 weeks.

Everyone could use more support these days, if you're ready to make the decision to start therapy then I am here to help. As a licensed clinical social worker, it's my passion to help you facilitate growth, healing and progress. I specialize in anxiety, depression, loss and grief, life transitions, relationship issues and chronic illness.

Is your goal lowering your stress? Having better communication with family and medical providers? Broadening your social support? Improving your coping skills, including bereavement and grief? These are goals that I can help you achieve. I've been a therapist for many years working inside a hospital and supporting all walks of life. I can help you overcome anxiety, depression, grief, worry, stress, managing chronic illness, concerns about being a caregiver to family, and navigating life's challenges and transitions.

I have extensive experience with clients who have experienced trauma. I also enjoying working with clients who have emotional obstacles in the way of reaching personal goals.I have had years of experience in working with clients with chronic illness such as cancer, diabetes or other medical issues, both children and adults. I have also worked with clients experiencing anxiety or depression. I use multiple treatment modalities depending on the client need.I prefer in office visits but I can do teletherapy if needed.

Are you experiencing challenges related to managing a chronic illness, coping with pain, adopting a healthier lifestyle, or adjusting to a new medical diagnosis? Are you feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or frustrated in handling these health challenges? Do you aspire for a more fulfilling life? As a dedicated health psychologist, I am passionate about empowering individuals to achieve holistic wellness by addressing both their physical and psychological needs. I believe in treating the whole person, recognizing the intricate interplay between physical health, mental well-being, and social factors.

I believe that my clients know themselves better than anyone else, so my role is to provide resources and support to help them meet their goals. As a social worker, I also help my clients unpack how larger systems impact their mental health and relationships. I use a queer-affirming, anti-oppressive, and neurodivergent-affirming approach to therapy. I have extensive training in trauma and have experience helping people work through life transitions, burnout, mood struggles and chronic illness.

I am passionate about holding space for my clients to express and experience emotions and thoughts as they are, while supporting them in developing self-compassion and self-acceptance. I have over 10 years of counseling experience in a variety of settings, with a specialty in supporting individuals and family members going through medical trauma or living with chronic illness.

Life can sometimes feel too difficult to navigate alone, and having a supportive and safe outlet can make all the difference. Relationship struggles, life purpose, grief and loss, identity issues, family dynamics, chronic illness, and other stressors can be overwhelming, but with counseling, they can be transformative. I am passionate about working with anyone experiencing emotional hardships and understand how effective therapy can help. I welcome all orientations and walks of life experiencing mental health concerns. I bring 25 years of experience in the medical field to counseling and value the power of the mind-body connection.

My therapeutic approach is rooted in client-centered care, where your needs, values, and experiences are at the heart of our work together. I believe that every individual is one-of-a-kind, and our therapy sessions will reflect that belief. I specialize in helping those who are dealing with anxiety, sleep disruption, depression, life transitions, caregiver stress, coping with chronic illness and building self-esteem. I have received training from the Gottman institute and am well-versed in literature from Al-anon providing valuable insights into family dynamics. Together, we can figure out the path that is best for you.

Clients that come to me for issues regarding their dissatisfaction with their progress on overcoming their challenges in life. Life issues range from traumatic experiences, LGBTQ issues, addictions & substance use disorders, spiritual problems, career problems, chronic illness, child & parenting issues as well as family imbalances. They want change and they want it with someone who can connect with them in real ways that help them know they are cared for, can be confident, and can overcome the challenges that confront them.

Life is full of transitions and adjustments; in each of these, you deserve a safe and supportive space to talk about it in a relaxed, guided manner. I believe in the importance of language- how you talk to and about yourself and others- and in the power of stories that make life. I want to help you recognize which stories you wrote in alignment with your values and which were imposed on you by society, culture, and the people close to you. In therapy, I utilize evidence-based techniques while also recognizing that your mind is a vast universe to be approached from a philosophical and spiritual place.

I work best with clients ready to take action and needing support to face the anxiety and depressive thinking beyond old trauma. The people who care about you want to see you build an inner strength to face challenges directly. Over the last 13 years, my clients have improved their relationships, careers and deepened the release of past pain. Prepare for facing directly your stress and symptoms, recognizing internal versus external barriers, holding yourself accountable toward healthy choices, and understanding barriers you face. Our work will support your growth and awaken the motivating force inside you.

I work with many types of clients, but specialize in working with queer and trans people, couples, and other forms of relationships (triads, polycules, open, polygamous, etc.). I deal primarily with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, grief and loss, transitions, stress management, trauma, sex-related issues and traumas, kink and BDSM, behavioral and substance addictions, and chronic pain and chronic illness. I tend to work with adults. I love working with clients that bring their whole self to therapy as I do too. I always encourage feedback to ensure the therapeutic process feels affirming and healing.

The way you see yourself impacts your perception of the world around you. When we feel good about ourselves, our view of the world is more positive. My clients enter therapy wrestling with questions of purpose, low self-esteem, and high-stress levels. Shortly after our work together, my clients can reframe negative self-talk and cultivate self-confidence. Grounded in clinical skill, humor, and empathy, I will be with you as you progress. Whether you are healing from mental or physical challenges, I focus on emotional support and teaching tangible skills to improve your daily life.