Chronic Illness Therapists in Gig Harbor, WA
Christine Thurston
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Gig Harbor, WA 98332 (Online Only)
I also have specialized experience in helping people facing the unique challenges of acute and chronic illness, especially cancer.
All people experience problems and at times we all need someone that we can trust to assist us with those challenges. As a therapist, my approach is accepting, empathetic, and flexible, and I strive to form a relationship with my clients that is built on trust and respect. I believe in working collaboratively with my clients, together identifying the growth and change that they desire for their lives. I work to help my clients uncover their internal resources and strengths and expand their understanding of their experiences in order to empower them to make the changes that they desire.
I also have specialized experience in helping people facing the unique challenges of acute and chronic illness, especially cancer.
All people experience problems and at times we all need someone that we can trust to assist us with those challenges. As a therapist, my approach is accepting, empathetic, and flexible, and I strive to form a relationship with my clients that is built on trust and respect. I believe in working collaboratively with my clients, together identifying the growth and change that they desire for their lives. I work to help my clients uncover their internal resources and strengths and expand their understanding of their experiences in order to empower them to make the changes that they desire.
My practice is centered on individual therapy with adults and older adolescents (16-17). My primary focus is to establish trust, comfort, and rapport in order to facilitate recovery from social anxiety, depression, addiction, health anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, insomnia, pain, fatigue and most other struggles for which cognitive behavioral therapy is a good fit. I also work with life changes and challenges, parenting, and emotion regulation/anger. I have worked extensively with members of the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities and all are welcome in my practice.
My practice is centered on individual therapy with adults and older adolescents (16-17). My primary focus is to establish trust, comfort, and rapport in order to facilitate recovery from social anxiety, depression, addiction, health anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, insomnia, pain, fatigue and most other struggles for which cognitive behavioral therapy is a good fit. I also work with life changes and challenges, parenting, and emotion regulation/anger. I have worked extensively with members of the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities and all are welcome in my practice.
Rose Ann VandenBerghe
Mental Health Counselor, PhD, LMHC
Verified Verified
Gig Harbor, WA 98335 (Online Only)
I believe compassion is the heart of good therapy and do my best to help you feel safe and understood. I am accepting new clients. I work with adult individuals, 21-101, who are wanting support to grow and change. My specialties include anxiety, depression, aging, major life transitions, grief (including eco-grief), dreamwork, and the search for meaning in life.
I believe compassion is the heart of good therapy and do my best to help you feel safe and understood. I am accepting new clients. I work with adult individuals, 21-101, who are wanting support to grow and change. My specialties include anxiety, depression, aging, major life transitions, grief (including eco-grief), dreamwork, and the search for meaning in life.
We all have stories to tell. What happened in our lives isn’t who we are, it is what happened to us. The challenging stories are based on past events, being activated now via negative automatic thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and repeated behaviors…which can keep us stuck and/or prevent us from living in genuine alignment with who we are. I believe we each have the ability to reset, readjust, restart, and rewrite the parts of our story that are no longer helpful or serving us. We are amazingly intelligent, creative, resilient, and adaptive beings! What story(ies) do you want to rewrite, or let go of, that are no longer helpful?
We all have stories to tell. What happened in our lives isn’t who we are, it is what happened to us. The challenging stories are based on past events, being activated now via negative automatic thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and repeated behaviors…which can keep us stuck and/or prevent us from living in genuine alignment with who we are. I believe we each have the ability to reset, readjust, restart, and rewrite the parts of our story that are no longer helpful or serving us. We are amazingly intelligent, creative, resilient, and adaptive beings! What story(ies) do you want to rewrite, or let go of, that are no longer helpful?
Genevieve Harris-Eckel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, MBA(25)
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Gig Harbor, WA 98335 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I'm very experienced working with minority communities including working with women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ clients. Minority groups and couples, particularly those at the intersections of gender, race, and sexual orientation, who are often underrepresented in fields of work such as business, tech, and entrepreneurship. I believe therapy should be a safe and non-judgmental space that empowers individuals to be able to push their own limits and views of themselves, in all aspects of their personal and professional lives. Being able to embrace, love, and be proud of oneself, is one of the strongest things a person can learn to do.
I'm very experienced working with minority communities including working with women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ clients. Minority groups and couples, particularly those at the intersections of gender, race, and sexual orientation, who are often underrepresented in fields of work such as business, tech, and entrepreneurship. I believe therapy should be a safe and non-judgmental space that empowers individuals to be able to push their own limits and views of themselves, in all aspects of their personal and professional lives. Being able to embrace, love, and be proud of oneself, is one of the strongest things a person can learn to do.
Traci Ann Lenzi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Have you recently experienced the death of a loved one, the end of a marriage or relationship, or a significant life transition that has you wondering how life will ever feel normal again? Grief shows up in many ways in life, and it looks different for everyone. But one thing is always true: grief changes us. Maybe you’re in survival mode: fighting just to stay above water in the day to day. Or perhaps you feel like you don’t recognize yourself: more angry, less motivated, or experiencing emotions that feel completely foreign. Your grief may be so overwhelming that you don’t even know what you feel.
Have you recently experienced the death of a loved one, the end of a marriage or relationship, or a significant life transition that has you wondering how life will ever feel normal again? Grief shows up in many ways in life, and it looks different for everyone. But one thing is always true: grief changes us. Maybe you’re in survival mode: fighting just to stay above water in the day to day. Or perhaps you feel like you don’t recognize yourself: more angry, less motivated, or experiencing emotions that feel completely foreign. Your grief may be so overwhelming that you don’t even know what you feel.
Jackie M Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Feeling stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed? You work hard to be competent on the outside, maintaining control, holding your life together. Yet you know something is off on the inside. You want to be free. Free from the worry, anxiety and the patterns you keep finding yourself living over and over. You don't need to live your life this way any longer. Is this type of freedom even possible? Yes. Yes it is. You do not have to walk this path alone any longer. You have tried everything you can think of to help you sleep, help you cope, stop the flashbacks. Some of your strategies worked, but they are not enough.
Feeling stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed? You work hard to be competent on the outside, maintaining control, holding your life together. Yet you know something is off on the inside. You want to be free. Free from the worry, anxiety and the patterns you keep finding yourself living over and over. You don't need to live your life this way any longer. Is this type of freedom even possible? Yes. Yes it is. You do not have to walk this path alone any longer. You have tried everything you can think of to help you sleep, help you cope, stop the flashbacks. Some of your strategies worked, but they are not enough.
I will work collaboratively with you in therapy so you can work through any challenges you may be facing and achieve your goals. Whether you are experiencing a new problem, or have been struggling with something for a while, together we will work to find your inner strengths, overcome past or present challenges, and improve the quality of your life. I am a warm and compassionate therapist who provides a safe, caring, and non-judgmental environment. My goal is for you to feel more hopeful and confident, and to live the life you desire.
I will work collaboratively with you in therapy so you can work through any challenges you may be facing and achieve your goals. Whether you are experiencing a new problem, or have been struggling with something for a while, together we will work to find your inner strengths, overcome past or present challenges, and improve the quality of your life. I am a warm and compassionate therapist who provides a safe, caring, and non-judgmental environment. My goal is for you to feel more hopeful and confident, and to live the life you desire.
Life can be challenging and stressful. Therapy is a place where you safely address and process through your internal responses to life’s obstacles. If you feel out of touch with your authentic self, problems can seem insurmountable. I work with individuals to explore and develop insight around your own thought patterns and responses to life events. We work together to overcome those things that are stopping you from having a full life and bring you into alignment with your authentic self.
Life can be challenging and stressful. Therapy is a place where you safely address and process through your internal responses to life’s obstacles. If you feel out of touch with your authentic self, problems can seem insurmountable. I work with individuals to explore and develop insight around your own thought patterns and responses to life events. We work together to overcome those things that are stopping you from having a full life and bring you into alignment with your authentic self.
I am a partner in Summit Health Management, a group founded by an eclectic partnership of four established, experienced providers with the vision of offering a variety of therapeutic services to meet the needs of children, adolescents, adults, elders, couples, and families in our community. Our group’s mission is to provide the region with experienced, compassionate, professional, and proficient mental and behavioral health care. We offer a therapy and psychiatric care for all ages, presentations, relationships and disorders, including individual, couples, family and group therapy, as well as substance abuse recovery for all ages.
I am a partner in Summit Health Management, a group founded by an eclectic partnership of four established, experienced providers with the vision of offering a variety of therapeutic services to meet the needs of children, adolescents, adults, elders, couples, and families in our community. Our group’s mission is to provide the region with experienced, compassionate, professional, and proficient mental and behavioral health care. We offer a therapy and psychiatric care for all ages, presentations, relationships and disorders, including individual, couples, family and group therapy, as well as substance abuse recovery for all ages.
I work with folks who are struggling to feel well either emotionally or physically. In addition to a Ph.D., in clinical-psychology I also hold a MS in nutrition and when relevant, I weave this knowledge into my work. While I treat many kinds of issues, I have a special focus in helping people with eating issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship stress. I work to peel back the layers and get to the root of the problem so you can heal and move forward in your life.
I work with folks who are struggling to feel well either emotionally or physically. In addition to a Ph.D., in clinical-psychology I also hold a MS in nutrition and when relevant, I weave this knowledge into my work. While I treat many kinds of issues, I have a special focus in helping people with eating issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship stress. I work to peel back the layers and get to the root of the problem so you can heal and move forward in your life.
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Our lives are often impacted by forces beyond our control. We wonder if life will ever return to "normal." I work with young and old who encounter challenges common to modern living: Retirement, work stress, men's relationship dynamics, personal tragedy, financial troubles, loss of community, and loss of direction. I also address unique challenges associated with aging: Chronic and acute illness, life partner debilitation, and hardships unforeseen. Refocus and reclaim your strengths and life as we work together on insights, new strategies and skills that enable you to overcome obstacles, re-connect with life and your passions.
Our lives are often impacted by forces beyond our control. We wonder if life will ever return to "normal." I work with young and old who encounter challenges common to modern living: Retirement, work stress, men's relationship dynamics, personal tragedy, financial troubles, loss of community, and loss of direction. I also address unique challenges associated with aging: Chronic and acute illness, life partner debilitation, and hardships unforeseen. Refocus and reclaim your strengths and life as we work together on insights, new strategies and skills that enable you to overcome obstacles, re-connect with life and your passions.
I believe the purpose of therapy is to support people in gaining personal insight, understanding of others perspectives, and integrating this information while planning new and improved responses and courses of action. As we are able to discover and express our hidden emotions and create new relational responses we then have the potential to change a distressed and rigid relationship into a more secure, safe and satisfying one. My commitment is to devote my full attention to you during our time together and to work with you as supportively, competently, responsibly, and professionally as I am able.
I believe the purpose of therapy is to support people in gaining personal insight, understanding of others perspectives, and integrating this information while planning new and improved responses and courses of action. As we are able to discover and express our hidden emotions and create new relational responses we then have the potential to change a distressed and rigid relationship into a more secure, safe and satisfying one. My commitment is to devote my full attention to you during our time together and to work with you as supportively, competently, responsibly, and professionally as I am able.
I provide support and help for adults and senior individuals as they transition through the many challenges and stages of life. I use Counseling, Coaching and Consulting to help guide you in the journey to meeting goals. My many years of experience and specialty training in Mental Health, Geriatric Care, Alzheimer's Disease/ Dementia along with Teaching and Case Management have prepared me for results-oriented outcomes in short periods of time. And, most of all; sometimes it is just good to have a "safe place" for sharing thoughts, feelings and grief. Your energy is precious, don't waste it. Give me a call.
I provide support and help for adults and senior individuals as they transition through the many challenges and stages of life. I use Counseling, Coaching and Consulting to help guide you in the journey to meeting goals. My many years of experience and specialty training in Mental Health, Geriatric Care, Alzheimer's Disease/ Dementia along with Teaching and Case Management have prepared me for results-oriented outcomes in short periods of time. And, most of all; sometimes it is just good to have a "safe place" for sharing thoughts, feelings and grief. Your energy is precious, don't waste it. Give me a call.
Wendy Becker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gig Harbor, WA 98335 (Online Only)
If you are struggling with your mental health, I want you to know you are not alone and it can get better. Reaching out for help isn't always easy, but it will be worth it. Video therapy sessions with me are a safe, supportive and non-judgmental experience. My goal is to help you understand yourself and your situation and to provide you with practical tools to help you manage life in a healthier way.
If you are struggling with your mental health, I want you to know you are not alone and it can get better. Reaching out for help isn't always easy, but it will be worth it. Video therapy sessions with me are a safe, supportive and non-judgmental experience. My goal is to help you understand yourself and your situation and to provide you with practical tools to help you manage life in a healthier way.
Annaliese Jacobsson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
If you’re frequently anxious or overwhelmed, if there are difficult events from your life continuing to invade your life in memories or nightmares, if you’re experiencing chronic pain, if you’re feeling depressed, irritable, stuck, or alone, I can help. You may have tried everything you can think of to start feeling better and nothing seems to fully address your struggles. I’m so glad you’re here. There is hope. If you don’t believe that yet, that’s ok, I am holding it for you until you can.
If you’re frequently anxious or overwhelmed, if there are difficult events from your life continuing to invade your life in memories or nightmares, if you’re experiencing chronic pain, if you’re feeling depressed, irritable, stuck, or alone, I can help. You may have tried everything you can think of to start feeling better and nothing seems to fully address your struggles. I’m so glad you’re here. There is hope. If you don’t believe that yet, that’s ok, I am holding it for you until you can.
Diana Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Gig Harbor, WA 98335 (Online Only)
Accepting NEW Clients - - - Are you living your best life? Are you feeling stuck? I provide evidence based treatments to help you experience a life with meaning and purpose and to feel better quickly. During our sessions, my goal is for you to feel unconditional acceptance and compassion in our relationship. My style is friendly, light-hearted and I use humor quite a bit. I will work with your strengths and unique needs to cultivate an environment where you can learn the skills to boost the quality of your life.
Accepting NEW Clients - - - Are you living your best life? Are you feeling stuck? I provide evidence based treatments to help you experience a life with meaning and purpose and to feel better quickly. During our sessions, my goal is for you to feel unconditional acceptance and compassion in our relationship. My style is friendly, light-hearted and I use humor quite a bit. I will work with your strengths and unique needs to cultivate an environment where you can learn the skills to boost the quality of your life.
You are a high-achieving, busy woman who is navigating some of the more challenging and messy parts of life, from grief and major life transitions to the complexities of postpartum and motherhood. You've been feeling an unexpected surge of anxiety, anger, and overwhelm, emotions that seem out of place for someone who is usually so in control. Despite all of your success, you yearn for peace and the ability to reconnect with your authentic self — but finding the way back feels daunting.
You are a high-achieving, busy woman who is navigating some of the more challenging and messy parts of life, from grief and major life transitions to the complexities of postpartum and motherhood. You've been feeling an unexpected surge of anxiety, anger, and overwhelm, emotions that seem out of place for someone who is usually so in control. Despite all of your success, you yearn for peace and the ability to reconnect with your authentic self — but finding the way back feels daunting.
Elizabeth Klein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Waitlist for new clients
Current Openings for Private Pay Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (Not covered by insurance)... All others: 3-4 month waitlist. I focus on trauma work by creating a safe space for healthy healing. As a holistic practitioner, I believe in treating the body, mind, and spirit as one unit. My approach to healing is compassionate and tailored to each individual's needs. I want to help you achieve optimal growth, health, and wellness in all areas of your life. That's why I offer a range of services that focus on healing the root causes of your health concerns.
Current Openings for Private Pay Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (Not covered by insurance)... All others: 3-4 month waitlist. I focus on trauma work by creating a safe space for healthy healing. As a holistic practitioner, I believe in treating the body, mind, and spirit as one unit. My approach to healing is compassionate and tailored to each individual's needs. I want to help you achieve optimal growth, health, and wellness in all areas of your life. That's why I offer a range of services that focus on healing the root causes of your health concerns.
Shamyka SD Sutton
Psychologist, PhD, MSCP, CSOTP, SUDPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
I work with each person through a holistic and integrative lens. Whether I am completing an evaluation or providing therapy, it is not one size fits all. I take a lot of pride when a client tells me, “you’re not like my other therapist.” I’ve heard all sorts of reasons I’m not like others. Most often, I hear appreciation about my ability to validate and push for change at the same time. I provide individual and group therapy; working with older teenage and adult men and women. I also provide evaluation services in various areas, such as behavioral, emotional, personality, cognitive, sexual, and memory domains.
I work with each person through a holistic and integrative lens. Whether I am completing an evaluation or providing therapy, it is not one size fits all. I take a lot of pride when a client tells me, “you’re not like my other therapist.” I’ve heard all sorts of reasons I’m not like others. Most often, I hear appreciation about my ability to validate and push for change at the same time. I provide individual and group therapy; working with older teenage and adult men and women. I also provide evaluation services in various areas, such as behavioral, emotional, personality, cognitive, sexual, and memory domains.
See more therapy options for Gig Harbor
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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.