Chronic Illness Therapists in Ithaca, NY
I have worked many years in hospice and palliative care, and often work with clients through the impact of illness, new diagnosis, chronic illness, death & grief.
Clients often tell me I am an engaged, interactive counselor. I am a deep listener, allowing you to hear and reflect on yourself, while also actively offering guidance, practical techniques, insight and coaching. With over 15 years of clinical experience, I offer expertise in steering a course through times of change and finding what is most essential.
I have worked many years in hospice and palliative care, and often work with clients through the impact of illness, new diagnosis, chronic illness, death & grief.
Clients often tell me I am an engaged, interactive counselor. I am a deep listener, allowing you to hear and reflect on yourself, while also actively offering guidance, practical techniques, insight and coaching. With over 15 years of clinical experience, I offer expertise in steering a course through times of change and finding what is most essential.
Emma Novick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ithaca, NY 14851 (Online Only)
Therapy can feel daunting after much contemplation. You have been feeling exhausted, stressed, or emotionally overwhelmed, especially if you are experiencing chronic illness, anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, or relationship issues. You may find it difficult to navigate your healthcare and get the help you need. Constantly reaccepting your illness or stuck on thoughts from your past and struggling to express needs or feelings to others can be draining. I connect with adults who want to explore these stressors, understand them, and find ways to become their own advocates.
Therapy can feel daunting after much contemplation. You have been feeling exhausted, stressed, or emotionally overwhelmed, especially if you are experiencing chronic illness, anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, or relationship issues. You may find it difficult to navigate your healthcare and get the help you need. Constantly reaccepting your illness or stuck on thoughts from your past and struggling to express needs or feelings to others can be draining. I connect with adults who want to explore these stressors, understand them, and find ways to become their own advocates.
Jennifer Wolfe
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Ithaca, NY 14850 (Online Only)
My practice focuses on individuals and couples, ranging in age from 18 to elderly. I strive to create a safe environment in which to explore life stressors, patterns of relating with others, and how past experiences impact the present. Areas of professional practice include anxiety/depression, chronic illness including HIV, grief/loss, relationships, sexual issues, separation/divorce, LGBTQ, family planning, career transition, and finances. I have extensive experience with addictions, and work collaboratively with clients, whether the goal is safer substance use, reducing use, or abstinence.
My practice focuses on individuals and couples, ranging in age from 18 to elderly. I strive to create a safe environment in which to explore life stressors, patterns of relating with others, and how past experiences impact the present. Areas of professional practice include anxiety/depression, chronic illness including HIV, grief/loss, relationships, sexual issues, separation/divorce, LGBTQ, family planning, career transition, and finances. I have extensive experience with addictions, and work collaboratively with clients, whether the goal is safer substance use, reducing use, or abstinence.
Hannah Rumpf
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
Ithaca, NY 14850 (Online Only)
I have specialized experience working with people struggling with panic, trauma, traumatic brain injuries, individuals with disabilities and/or chronic illness, and the LGBTQ community.
Welcome! Everyone goes through challenges at some point in their lives, and we all need support in difficult times. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, injury, trauma, or other challenges, therapy can provide the tools you need for renewed hope, healing, and transformation. I believe in a therapeutic relationship grounded in kindness, trust, and empathy. During our sessions, I will listen deeply and non-judgmentally to your unique experience. Our relationship can be the catalyst for positive change in your life.
I have specialized experience working with people struggling with panic, trauma, traumatic brain injuries, individuals with disabilities and/or chronic illness, and the LGBTQ community.
Welcome! Everyone goes through challenges at some point in their lives, and we all need support in difficult times. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, injury, trauma, or other challenges, therapy can provide the tools you need for renewed hope, healing, and transformation. I believe in a therapeutic relationship grounded in kindness, trust, and empathy. During our sessions, I will listen deeply and non-judgmentally to your unique experience. Our relationship can be the catalyst for positive change in your life.
Alison Christiansen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ithaca, NY 14850
Waitlist for new clients
I'm licensed in NY, CA and MA and specialize in treating anxiety, childhood trauma, medical trauma, depression, substance use, grief, chronic illness, life transitions and relational concerns.
Please note: I currently have a waitlist for new clients - please email. Welcome! I recognize asking for help is no simple task and respect your curiosity in exploring this step. I view therapy as an invitation to delve deeper into your current concerns, personal history, conditioning and defenses in order to reconnect with your true self and experience growth and wellness in your life. Therapy is a unique experience for every person, with the potential to be transformational.
I'm licensed in NY, CA and MA and specialize in treating anxiety, childhood trauma, medical trauma, depression, substance use, grief, chronic illness, life transitions and relational concerns.
Please note: I currently have a waitlist for new clients - please email. Welcome! I recognize asking for help is no simple task and respect your curiosity in exploring this step. I view therapy as an invitation to delve deeper into your current concerns, personal history, conditioning and defenses in order to reconnect with your true self and experience growth and wellness in your life. Therapy is a unique experience for every person, with the potential to be transformational.
Are you searching for a therapist because you feel stressed, worried, anxious, or overwhelmed? Are you looking for a therapist to support you while you struggle with your problems? Or how to make changes in your life? Or, maybe you have decided it is time to explore and resolve those personal issues that keep coming up again and again - the ones you cannot ignore any longer? I may be that therapist for you. Contact me for a free consultation or visit my website at www.drchetlesniak.com
Are you searching for a therapist because you feel stressed, worried, anxious, or overwhelmed? Are you looking for a therapist to support you while you struggle with your problems? Or how to make changes in your life? Or, maybe you have decided it is time to explore and resolve those personal issues that keep coming up again and again - the ones you cannot ignore any longer? I may be that therapist for you. Contact me for a free consultation or visit my website at www.drchetlesniak.com
Sarah McGuire-Mendoza
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ithaca, NY 14850 (Online Only)
9/2024: I currently have a couple of morning and afternoon openings Tuesday-Thursday, as well as Wednesday night. Hi, hello, and welcome! I’m glad you’re here, taking the first big step towards making change in your life. I know it can be intimidating, but therapy doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I’m here to help you get where you want to be in life, and that is something we can do together. My specialties are anxiety, panic, stress management, and chronic or new medical conditions, including pain. If you'd like to schedule a free consultation or learn more about me please check out my website for more information!
9/2024: I currently have a couple of morning and afternoon openings Tuesday-Thursday, as well as Wednesday night. Hi, hello, and welcome! I’m glad you’re here, taking the first big step towards making change in your life. I know it can be intimidating, but therapy doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I’m here to help you get where you want to be in life, and that is something we can do together. My specialties are anxiety, panic, stress management, and chronic or new medical conditions, including pain. If you'd like to schedule a free consultation or learn more about me please check out my website for more information!
Alison Beach
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ithaca, NY 14850 (Online Only)
I am accepting new clients for August and Fall 2024. For continuity of services during academic breaks, I am licensed to practice in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania in addition to New York State.
I am accepting new clients for August and Fall 2024. For continuity of services during academic breaks, I am licensed to practice in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania in addition to New York State.
I am currently not accepting new patients until 2024. Experiencing a loss of sexual desire? Arguing about frequency of sex? Worried about performance issues? Healing from sexual trauma or infidelity? Want to better understand your sexuality? I specialize in working with individuals, couples and multi-partnered relationships as they explore concerns related to sex, intimacy and gender identity. Using a combination of proven methods in sex therapy and relationship/family therapies, I help people heal and experience a satisfying sex life so they can live a more connected and thriving life.
I am currently not accepting new patients until 2024. Experiencing a loss of sexual desire? Arguing about frequency of sex? Worried about performance issues? Healing from sexual trauma or infidelity? Want to better understand your sexuality? I specialize in working with individuals, couples and multi-partnered relationships as they explore concerns related to sex, intimacy and gender identity. Using a combination of proven methods in sex therapy and relationship/family therapies, I help people heal and experience a satisfying sex life so they can live a more connected and thriving life.
I’m passionate about helping to heal from trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, and other challenges. I'm also interested in identity issues - “who am I in the face of this?” - such as those coming from life transitions, realizations about sexual orientation, severe addiction, spirituality or religion, being in a relationship with an addicted or narcissistic person, or from having a long-term diagnosis like ADHD or Borderline Personality Disorder. I work with teens, young adults, middle aged and elders; couples, families, and individuals.
I’m passionate about helping to heal from trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, and other challenges. I'm also interested in identity issues - “who am I in the face of this?” - such as those coming from life transitions, realizations about sexual orientation, severe addiction, spirituality or religion, being in a relationship with an addicted or narcissistic person, or from having a long-term diagnosis like ADHD or Borderline Personality Disorder. I work with teens, young adults, middle aged and elders; couples, families, and individuals.
I engage in therapy in a transparent, warm and collaborative manner. I believe that humor, and sometimes swearing, lead to increased distress tolerance. When you work with me, expect to dive into action. My goal is to help you ‘do the thing’- the hard, meaningful work of creating the life you want. Together, we’ll confront unhelpful patterns and stop the cycle of avoidance through experiential exposure, meaning you’ll practice new ways of facing difficult situations. Learning how to do hard things and moving toward what truly matters to you. We’ll work step-by-step to build a life that feels aligned with your values and goals.
I engage in therapy in a transparent, warm and collaborative manner. I believe that humor, and sometimes swearing, lead to increased distress tolerance. When you work with me, expect to dive into action. My goal is to help you ‘do the thing’- the hard, meaningful work of creating the life you want. Together, we’ll confront unhelpful patterns and stop the cycle of avoidance through experiential exposure, meaning you’ll practice new ways of facing difficult situations. Learning how to do hard things and moving toward what truly matters to you. We’ll work step-by-step to build a life that feels aligned with your values and goals.
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I offer Somatic Experiencing (SE) sessions. Do you struggle with the effects of trauma, stress, neglect or injury? Feeling overwhelmed by issues of social justice and the environment? Living with and talking about these things can cause strong reactions in our bodies that deserve their own approach, in addition to psychotherapy. We want to feel comfortable in our skin - able to rest, feel a sense of belonging and confidently stand up for ourselves and others in a balanced way. SE helps clients navigate painful emotions and memories as the related physical sensations gently become more differentiated and take on new meanings.
I offer Somatic Experiencing (SE) sessions. Do you struggle with the effects of trauma, stress, neglect or injury? Feeling overwhelmed by issues of social justice and the environment? Living with and talking about these things can cause strong reactions in our bodies that deserve their own approach, in addition to psychotherapy. We want to feel comfortable in our skin - able to rest, feel a sense of belonging and confidently stand up for ourselves and others in a balanced way. SE helps clients navigate painful emotions and memories as the related physical sensations gently become more differentiated and take on new meanings.
Randi Robbins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
Ithaca, NY 14850 (Online Only)
Do you find yourself feeling unstable or broken, no matter what you do? You've tried toughing it out, burying your feelings, taking medications, going to therapy. None of it has been enough, and you're afraid you'll never feel better. You're tired of getting triggered, living through the same ups and downs over and over again, and feeling bad about yourself all the time. I want you to know that your life can be better; your life can be good.
Do you find yourself feeling unstable or broken, no matter what you do? You've tried toughing it out, burying your feelings, taking medications, going to therapy. None of it has been enough, and you're afraid you'll never feel better. You're tired of getting triggered, living through the same ups and downs over and over again, and feeling bad about yourself all the time. I want you to know that your life can be better; your life can be good.
Do you feel drained, overwhelmed, lost, ashamed or stuck? Whatever it is that you are feeling or experiencing, I see you. I would like to offer you the space to reflect, explore and feel heard. I provide psychotherapy in a safe, peaceful setting to help you find stability, gain insight, feel relief, and make change.
Do you feel drained, overwhelmed, lost, ashamed or stuck? Whatever it is that you are feeling or experiencing, I see you. I would like to offer you the space to reflect, explore and feel heard. I provide psychotherapy in a safe, peaceful setting to help you find stability, gain insight, feel relief, and make change.
Kristen M Haddad
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ithaca, NY 14850 (Online Only)
My primary therapeutic focus is to help teenagers and adults to develop a stronger sense of self and to develop the coping skills they will need to address issues of anxiety, self esteem and self worth. I use a non-judgmental, trauma informed and holistic approach to help clients develop their ability to self soothe, including using body/movement and grounding techniques. I focus on both personal autonomy and understanding ourselves in relationships, with the goal of moving out of stuck feelings and thoughts to embody a more curious stance of your experiences and the world around you.
My primary therapeutic focus is to help teenagers and adults to develop a stronger sense of self and to develop the coping skills they will need to address issues of anxiety, self esteem and self worth. I use a non-judgmental, trauma informed and holistic approach to help clients develop their ability to self soothe, including using body/movement and grounding techniques. I focus on both personal autonomy and understanding ourselves in relationships, with the goal of moving out of stuck feelings and thoughts to embody a more curious stance of your experiences and the world around you.
Geri Moore Manahan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, HS-BCP
Verified Verified
Ithaca, NY 14850
Waitlist for new clients
I have worked extensively with individuals who struggle with alcoholism, addictions, co-occurring disorders, and recovery challenges, as well as with relationship and family issues.
I have worked extensively with individuals who struggle with alcoholism, addictions, co-occurring disorders, and recovery challenges, as well as with relationship and family issues.
Ann Dee Greenberg Online Counseling
Counselor, LMHC, LAC, MA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Ithaca, NY 14850 (Online Only)
My approach to psychotherapy is collaborative and experiential. I strive to create a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship through which you can share, express freely, and activate your deepest potential for transformation. I am devoted to the well-being of my clients and provide the best possible therapy to help facilitate insight and growth. Areas of expertise include trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, addiction, family dynamic/attachment and relationship. I also offer services for clients working toward specific personal goals in the areas of, student/school, career/improved work-life, purpose and personal potential.
My approach to psychotherapy is collaborative and experiential. I strive to create a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship through which you can share, express freely, and activate your deepest potential for transformation. I am devoted to the well-being of my clients and provide the best possible therapy to help facilitate insight and growth. Areas of expertise include trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, addiction, family dynamic/attachment and relationship. I also offer services for clients working toward specific personal goals in the areas of, student/school, career/improved work-life, purpose and personal potential.
I am a multicultural, holistic, trauma-informed, LGBT+ affirmative therapist and a core believer in resiliency of human spirit. Though you may consider me as the professional/expert, you are the expert of your lived experiences. I strongly believe that the client has a right to both be a recipient as well as an influencer within the therapeutic relationship. My job as a therapist is to act as guide while you are empowered to tackle both inner and outer barriers. I aim to hold a space for those who may not have access to any other arenas to feel heard and understood.
I am a multicultural, holistic, trauma-informed, LGBT+ affirmative therapist and a core believer in resiliency of human spirit. Though you may consider me as the professional/expert, you are the expert of your lived experiences. I strongly believe that the client has a right to both be a recipient as well as an influencer within the therapeutic relationship. My job as a therapist is to act as guide while you are empowered to tackle both inner and outer barriers. I aim to hold a space for those who may not have access to any other arenas to feel heard and understood.
Jennifer Greene
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ithaca, NY 14850
Taking time to sort through your thoughts and feelings with someone safe and very present is one of the greatest gifts to give yourself. I'm here to help you find relief, understand, heal, integrate, and grow. Through warm acceptance, genuine presence, and attuned reflections, I build a trusting partnership. Together in this supportive, emotionally engaged alliance, we create the experiences that deepen your relationship with self and others. In this new self-awareness, I help you reconnect with your innate strengths. Using these capabilities, I will guide you to develop successful skills and coping strategies to reach your goals.
Taking time to sort through your thoughts and feelings with someone safe and very present is one of the greatest gifts to give yourself. I'm here to help you find relief, understand, heal, integrate, and grow. Through warm acceptance, genuine presence, and attuned reflections, I build a trusting partnership. Together in this supportive, emotionally engaged alliance, we create the experiences that deepen your relationship with self and others. In this new self-awareness, I help you reconnect with your innate strengths. Using these capabilities, I will guide you to develop successful skills and coping strategies to reach your goals.
Esther Ivy Herkowitz
Counselor, MS, LMHC, MFLC
Verified Verified
Ithaca, NY 14850 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Our thoughts, beliefs, behaviors, relationships and experiences shape us emotionally, physically and energetically. By gently and compassionately exploring these, both healthy and undermining, new choices become possible. I offer principles from Behavioral Cognitive Therapy including guided meditation, diaphragmatic breathing, cognitive restructuring, progressive relaxation, and mindfulness. When reinforced with practice, these techniques help to increase wellness and reduce suffering and anxiety. You don't need to know the problem or the solution to begin. You only need to want something to change.
Our thoughts, beliefs, behaviors, relationships and experiences shape us emotionally, physically and energetically. By gently and compassionately exploring these, both healthy and undermining, new choices become possible. I offer principles from Behavioral Cognitive Therapy including guided meditation, diaphragmatic breathing, cognitive restructuring, progressive relaxation, and mindfulness. When reinforced with practice, these techniques help to increase wellness and reduce suffering and anxiety. You don't need to know the problem or the solution to begin. You only need to want something to change.
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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.