Chronic Illness Therapists in Kirkwood, MO
Jennifer Candice
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kirkwood, MO 63122
Waitlist for new clients
Serious and chronic illness, difficult life transitions, or the profound grief you experience with the loss of a loved one – it can leave us feeling depressed, anxious, angry, confused, isolated, and lost. A lot of the time, we acclimate and move right along, but other times, it throws us completely off course. When the unthinkable happens to you, how do you get to a place where you feel safe, content, and at peace? Whatever your therapeutic goals may be, you deserve to feel heard, understood, and validated.
Serious and chronic illness, difficult life transitions, or the profound grief you experience with the loss of a loved one – it can leave us feeling depressed, anxious, angry, confused, isolated, and lost. A lot of the time, we acclimate and move right along, but other times, it throws us completely off course. When the unthinkable happens to you, how do you get to a place where you feel safe, content, and at peace? Whatever your therapeutic goals may be, you deserve to feel heard, understood, and validated.
My areas of work in couples and family therapy include infidelity, finances in couples, sex disorders, domestic violence, parenting strategies for adolescents and teens, family communication, adjustments to divorce, and caregiving for chronic illness and disease.
Our lives can be filled with so many obstacles and challenges on a daily basis. Whether these challenges are personal, family, work or peers, we sometimes need to get additional perspectives and clarity on some of life's most pressing issues. I view therapy as a way for clients to seek personal growth and find helpful solutions moving forward. I use humor, compassion and unconditional support to help individuals, couples and families work through a variety of presenting issues. My goal is to help clients resolve the main problem in therapy and help them gain additional strengths and insights in their lives.
My areas of work in couples and family therapy include infidelity, finances in couples, sex disorders, domestic violence, parenting strategies for adolescents and teens, family communication, adjustments to divorce, and caregiving for chronic illness and disease.
Our lives can be filled with so many obstacles and challenges on a daily basis. Whether these challenges are personal, family, work or peers, we sometimes need to get additional perspectives and clarity on some of life's most pressing issues. I view therapy as a way for clients to seek personal growth and find helpful solutions moving forward. I use humor, compassion and unconditional support to help individuals, couples and families work through a variety of presenting issues. My goal is to help clients resolve the main problem in therapy and help them gain additional strengths and insights in their lives.
Stephanie Malzahn
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kirkwood, MO 63122
I specialize in medical issues and trauma such as chronic illness/pain, TBI, reproductive health, and athletic injuries.
Welcome! Do you feel overwhelmed, dismissed, or undervalued? Are you looking for more meaningful connection? Persistent exposure to stress can show up in our bodies, our work ethic, our social interactions, sleep habits and so much more. What happens to us early in life influences our ability to cope with the stress and setbacks that life can throw at us. Whether it's a chronic health issue, recent or past trauma, grief, or relationship conflict, you don't have to experience it alone. I have an integrative and person-centered approach that uses the therapeutic relationship to rebuild connection to yourself, others and the world.
I specialize in medical issues and trauma such as chronic illness/pain, TBI, reproductive health, and athletic injuries.
Welcome! Do you feel overwhelmed, dismissed, or undervalued? Are you looking for more meaningful connection? Persistent exposure to stress can show up in our bodies, our work ethic, our social interactions, sleep habits and so much more. What happens to us early in life influences our ability to cope with the stress and setbacks that life can throw at us. Whether it's a chronic health issue, recent or past trauma, grief, or relationship conflict, you don't have to experience it alone. I have an integrative and person-centered approach that uses the therapeutic relationship to rebuild connection to yourself, others and the world.
I specialize in providing support to individuals coping with chronic illness and associated conditions such as insomnia and chronic pain, HIV/AIDS, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, identity exploration/self awareness, self esteem, and stress related to work burnout, secondary trauma and professional and personal caregiving.
Often life events and personal stress can lead us to a point of pain, feeling that we have no control over the course of our lives or meaningful ways to cope. I would love to assist you with identifying personal strengths that will increase your ability to negotiate difficult emotions, stressors and life events. I will encourage you to grow, develop resilience and explore new ways of experiencing the world with a curious, thoughtful mindset. This curiosity leads to an increasing awareness of yourself, your needs and solutions for challenging issues.
I specialize in providing support to individuals coping with chronic illness and associated conditions such as insomnia and chronic pain, HIV/AIDS, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, identity exploration/self awareness, self esteem, and stress related to work burnout, secondary trauma and professional and personal caregiving.
Often life events and personal stress can lead us to a point of pain, feeling that we have no control over the course of our lives or meaningful ways to cope. I would love to assist you with identifying personal strengths that will increase your ability to negotiate difficult emotions, stressors and life events. I will encourage you to grow, develop resilience and explore new ways of experiencing the world with a curious, thoughtful mindset. This curiosity leads to an increasing awareness of yourself, your needs and solutions for challenging issues.
Throughout my career, I've worked with many people in difficult or painful situations. Many clients have dealt with issues like grief, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, job problems, shame, guilt, life decisions, substance use, chronic illness, suicidal thoughts, and trauma. Many clients are curious or working through their gender identity, sexual orientation, fetishes, kinks, swinging, sexual exploration or expression, alternative sexuality, queer issues, polyamory, ethical non monogamy, out of control sexual behavior issues, infidelity, trauma, and lifestyle situations. I work with individual clients, couples, and polycules.
Throughout my career, I've worked with many people in difficult or painful situations. Many clients have dealt with issues like grief, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, job problems, shame, guilt, life decisions, substance use, chronic illness, suicidal thoughts, and trauma. Many clients are curious or working through their gender identity, sexual orientation, fetishes, kinks, swinging, sexual exploration or expression, alternative sexuality, queer issues, polyamory, ethical non monogamy, out of control sexual behavior issues, infidelity, trauma, and lifestyle situations. I work with individual clients, couples, and polycules.
I work with clients challenged with chronic illness; clients living with depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic stress and/or anger management issues; with domestic abuse and family members suffering because of a loved ones' addiction.
With my nursing and social work background I offer a unique understanding working with clients. Using both my counseling and medical knowledge and expertise, I teach clients how to care for themselves emotionally and physically, using their strengths and talents and letting go of habits that are no longer helpful for them. I work with individuals ages 14 and older and couples who are struggling through a difficult time or have been struggling their whole life. There are answers to your concerns. I can help you find those answers that will work for you.
I work with clients challenged with chronic illness; clients living with depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic stress and/or anger management issues; with domestic abuse and family members suffering because of a loved ones' addiction.
With my nursing and social work background I offer a unique understanding working with clients. Using both my counseling and medical knowledge and expertise, I teach clients how to care for themselves emotionally and physically, using their strengths and talents and letting go of habits that are no longer helpful for them. I work with individuals ages 14 and older and couples who are struggling through a difficult time or have been struggling their whole life. There are answers to your concerns. I can help you find those answers that will work for you.
I have over 20 years of experience working with those navigating the challenges of life to include: cancer, chronic illness of child or adult, grief, loss, suicide, and divorce.
My goal is meet you in your struggle. Whether it’s grief, anxiety, loss, life transitions or relationship issues, we can work to navigate these difficult times together. The path can be windy often giving us unexpected challenges with little warning or preparation. Your thoughts, feelings, fears and hopes can be shared aloud in a safe space.
I have over 20 years of experience working with those navigating the challenges of life to include: cancer, chronic illness of child or adult, grief, loss, suicide, and divorce.
My goal is meet you in your struggle. Whether it’s grief, anxiety, loss, life transitions or relationship issues, we can work to navigate these difficult times together. The path can be windy often giving us unexpected challenges with little warning or preparation. Your thoughts, feelings, fears and hopes can be shared aloud in a safe space.
Welcome. My approach to therapy revolves around insight, empowerment, and making meaningful changes in life. My areas of specialty include: navigating life transitions, overcoming traumatic experiences, processing grief, managing chronic illnesses, improving communication/relationship dynamics, strengthening the mind-body connection, enhancing self-esteem, and cultivating stress management practices. I also really enjoy working with other therapists and being a support/resource for a variety of wellness professionals.
Welcome. My approach to therapy revolves around insight, empowerment, and making meaningful changes in life. My areas of specialty include: navigating life transitions, overcoming traumatic experiences, processing grief, managing chronic illnesses, improving communication/relationship dynamics, strengthening the mind-body connection, enhancing self-esteem, and cultivating stress management practices. I also really enjoy working with other therapists and being a support/resource for a variety of wellness professionals.
M. Kathleen Blanchard
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Kirkwood, MO 63122
I specialize in mental health issues including depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, learning disabilities, physical disabilities (including sudden onset), hearing loss, stress management, divorce and employment-related issues, including career changes and job loss.
I specialize in mental health issues including depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, learning disabilities, physical disabilities (including sudden onset), hearing loss, stress management, divorce and employment-related issues, including career changes and job loss.
Thank you for taking the initial step to begin taking charge of your life. I mean, you are the expert in it. As a mental health therapist, I am committed to fostering a therapeutic space for intentional heart healing. Here you are safe and supported. Here is especially where you matter. I specialize in working with individuals who are challenged with anxiety, perinatal and postpartum challenges, trauma, chronic medical conditions and grief and loss. I welcome any opportunity to provide you with the tools you need to heal from the past in order to thrive in the narrative you are writing for yourself now.
Thank you for taking the initial step to begin taking charge of your life. I mean, you are the expert in it. As a mental health therapist, I am committed to fostering a therapeutic space for intentional heart healing. Here you are safe and supported. Here is especially where you matter. I specialize in working with individuals who are challenged with anxiety, perinatal and postpartum challenges, trauma, chronic medical conditions and grief and loss. I welcome any opportunity to provide you with the tools you need to heal from the past in order to thrive in the narrative you are writing for yourself now.
Cindy Haller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kirkwood, MO 63122
Waitlist for new clients
Have you noticed yourself feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed, as if some days it’s just too hard to face it all? If you feel stuck in place, it can often be difficult to reach out for help, but you’re here so you’ve made that all important first step. Maybe something new is going on, or something that’s been in the background for a while is making itself known. Whatever it might be, together we will work towards a resolution.
Have you noticed yourself feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed, as if some days it’s just too hard to face it all? If you feel stuck in place, it can often be difficult to reach out for help, but you’re here so you’ve made that all important first step. Maybe something new is going on, or something that’s been in the background for a while is making itself known. Whatever it might be, together we will work towards a resolution.
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Accepting New Clients! I work with adults and adolescents to overcome a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, stress, and concerns with social skills. I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals with mental health issues, Autism, ADHD, and learning and intellectual disabilities. I use a person centered, strengths based approach to help you achieve your goals and feel better!
Accepting New Clients! I work with adults and adolescents to overcome a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, stress, and concerns with social skills. I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals with mental health issues, Autism, ADHD, and learning and intellectual disabilities. I use a person centered, strengths based approach to help you achieve your goals and feel better!
Are you achieving your goals and truly living your best life? If you answered yes, then you have discovered a secret that many often spend a lifetime trying to find. If you answered no to that question or just aren’t sure, then you are not alone! The truth is we all struggle with something whether it be mental, physical or combination of both. The issue is when those struggles become a focal point in our life which prevents us from focusing on our purpose and achieving joy and happiness. I'll help you identify ways to resolve those struggles/find solutions so you can live a life you are truly happy with!
Are you achieving your goals and truly living your best life? If you answered yes, then you have discovered a secret that many often spend a lifetime trying to find. If you answered no to that question or just aren’t sure, then you are not alone! The truth is we all struggle with something whether it be mental, physical or combination of both. The issue is when those struggles become a focal point in our life which prevents us from focusing on our purpose and achieving joy and happiness. I'll help you identify ways to resolve those struggles/find solutions so you can live a life you are truly happy with!
The way you are living isn't working anymore. It's getting harder to keep up the appearance of being fine like you always have. When you think about how you've been acting and feeling recently, you're not quite sure you like the person you've become. All the struggles & conflicts you face with your partner, kids, family, co-workers keep you on overload, but you have no idea how you could handle them differently. You feel like your life is out of control, and you are ready to try anything that might help you to not completely fall apart and live in dread and overwhelm every day.
The way you are living isn't working anymore. It's getting harder to keep up the appearance of being fine like you always have. When you think about how you've been acting and feeling recently, you're not quite sure you like the person you've become. All the struggles & conflicts you face with your partner, kids, family, co-workers keep you on overload, but you have no idea how you could handle them differently. You feel like your life is out of control, and you are ready to try anything that might help you to not completely fall apart and live in dread and overwhelm every day.
A little about me... I couldn’t survive without my assortment of To Do lists. Somehow I manage to surprise myself again and again by not completing the lengthy tasks I hoped to cross off my lists. I wish I prioritized time in nature, self-care, and getting together with friends. The frenetic pace of our modern “grind culture” is a force I find challenging to resist. Despite having book knowledge on anxiety, I still have panicky moments. Through my own therapy, I am unlearning the message of hustling for my worth and aiming to embrace my limitations. I have come to learn that my triggers often end up being my best teachers.
A little about me... I couldn’t survive without my assortment of To Do lists. Somehow I manage to surprise myself again and again by not completing the lengthy tasks I hoped to cross off my lists. I wish I prioritized time in nature, self-care, and getting together with friends. The frenetic pace of our modern “grind culture” is a force I find challenging to resist. Despite having book knowledge on anxiety, I still have panicky moments. Through my own therapy, I am unlearning the message of hustling for my worth and aiming to embrace my limitations. I have come to learn that my triggers often end up being my best teachers.
Do you feel stuck? Do you feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel? Let’s talk. Let’s work together to discard old metaphors and threadbare narratives that leave you depressed and ruminating. Life abounds with footholds to escape ruts. And that dark tunnel never existed in the first place. Life is filled with light. All you have to do is find your space, evaluate the many options before you, and have the strength to accept what makes you shine.
Do you feel stuck? Do you feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel? Let’s talk. Let’s work together to discard old metaphors and threadbare narratives that leave you depressed and ruminating. Life abounds with footholds to escape ruts. And that dark tunnel never existed in the first place. Life is filled with light. All you have to do is find your space, evaluate the many options before you, and have the strength to accept what makes you shine.
Valerie Akerson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Kirkwood, MO 63122
I have been personally affected by a high risk pregnancy, a traumatic birth and a NICU stay. That is what has led me to this work. For the past thirteen years, my work has been with perinatal mental health; specifically working with women with high risk pregnancies due to a congenital anomaly identified in their baby during pregnancy. I am here to help anyone that is struggling with feelings of angst and unrest about those unexpected challenges that are thrown your way. I have worked a great deal with perinatal and infant loss as well. I have a growing passion for helping women, specifically focusing on maternal mental health.
I have been personally affected by a high risk pregnancy, a traumatic birth and a NICU stay. That is what has led me to this work. For the past thirteen years, my work has been with perinatal mental health; specifically working with women with high risk pregnancies due to a congenital anomaly identified in their baby during pregnancy. I am here to help anyone that is struggling with feelings of angst and unrest about those unexpected challenges that are thrown your way. I have worked a great deal with perinatal and infant loss as well. I have a growing passion for helping women, specifically focusing on maternal mental health.
Angie Narsh
Licensed Professional Counselor, MAC
Verified Verified
Kirkwood, MO 63122
Waitlist for new clients
Using gentleness mixed with honesty, I will call you forward to better.Not to shame, but to healing. Freedom, passion, vibrance, thriving and not simply surviving. It's possible. There's hope. I believe we hold power over our own healing. I merely come alongside those who have decided to make that brave journey. From the very beginning, the most consistent feedback is of feeling safe and truly understood. I believe in "working myself out of a job", achieved by doing good work and encouraging clients to test and stretch their growth. They do this out on their own, knowing they can return for new layers of work.
Using gentleness mixed with honesty, I will call you forward to better.Not to shame, but to healing. Freedom, passion, vibrance, thriving and not simply surviving. It's possible. There's hope. I believe we hold power over our own healing. I merely come alongside those who have decided to make that brave journey. From the very beginning, the most consistent feedback is of feeling safe and truly understood. I believe in "working myself out of a job", achieved by doing good work and encouraging clients to test and stretch their growth. They do this out on their own, knowing they can return for new layers of work.
Patrice Marie Bathon
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, PLPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kirkwood, MO 63122
Are you looking for more clarity, insight, or healing? People often seek help or feel the need for change at a crossroads or while facing a challenging life situation. As your therapist, I will help you navigate situations like this while also allowing you to explore a deeper and more purposeful connection with yourself through a safe, meaningful therapeutic relationship. It's challenging to find someone with whom you can relate and connect while processing what is going on in your life. My goal is to help adults and couples get to the root of the issues that affect their daily lives and relationships.
Are you looking for more clarity, insight, or healing? People often seek help or feel the need for change at a crossroads or while facing a challenging life situation. As your therapist, I will help you navigate situations like this while also allowing you to explore a deeper and more purposeful connection with yourself through a safe, meaningful therapeutic relationship. It's challenging to find someone with whom you can relate and connect while processing what is going on in your life. My goal is to help adults and couples get to the root of the issues that affect their daily lives and relationships.
My goal is always to provide a safe space & comfortable space for you to just be. With an integrative collaborative client centered approach, your therapy is tailored towards your unique needs. The space I hold for you is filled with empathy, compassion, and validation. The underlying theme is always brain health, and holistic wellness. Navigating through the storms and getting to a place of peace and calm is possible. You can be safe, secure and protected. You can be healthy and strong. You can be happy and feel purposeful in alignment with your true self. Let’s begin navigating towards an enlightened journey filled with self love.
My goal is always to provide a safe space & comfortable space for you to just be. With an integrative collaborative client centered approach, your therapy is tailored towards your unique needs. The space I hold for you is filled with empathy, compassion, and validation. The underlying theme is always brain health, and holistic wellness. Navigating through the storms and getting to a place of peace and calm is possible. You can be safe, secure and protected. You can be healthy and strong. You can be happy and feel purposeful in alignment with your true self. Let’s begin navigating towards an enlightened journey filled with self love.
See more therapy options for Kirkwood
Nearby Chronic Illness Therapists Searches for Kirkwood
- Ballwin
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- Clayton
- Creve Coeur
- Fenton
- Ladue
- Manchester
- Maplewood
- Olivette
- Richmond Heights
- Sappington
- Webster Groves
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.