Chronic Illness Therapists in Seattle, WA
Cassady Kintner PLLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, MDFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98105
I have extensive clinical training and life experience coping with chronic illness.
I am passionate about helping people with complex, highly demanding medical conditions, particularly diabetes, to face the emotional and behavioral challenges that so often accompany chronic health problems. I also enjoy working with 15+ teens and young women struggling with feelings of being "too much" and still "not enough". There is hope, and I can help you overcome frustration and discouragement to find peace, balance and a sense of purpose. You are not alone, and you don't have to do this alone.
I have extensive clinical training and life experience coping with chronic illness.
I am passionate about helping people with complex, highly demanding medical conditions, particularly diabetes, to face the emotional and behavioral challenges that so often accompany chronic health problems. I also enjoy working with 15+ teens and young women struggling with feelings of being "too much" and still "not enough". There is hope, and I can help you overcome frustration and discouragement to find peace, balance and a sense of purpose. You are not alone, and you don't have to do this alone.
Katie Sparrow
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98144 (Online Only)
I am accepting new couples and individuals. My work focuses on deepening how we tell stories about ourselves, as well as understanding and healing our relationships. Parenting, divorce, chronic illness, anxiety, shame, and relationship troubles are particularly good matches for me. Life can go sideways in all kinds of ways, and therapy can give you concrete tools and aha moments that can change everything. I have worked for over fifteen years in the mental health field, and love working with teens, adults, and couples. I welcome people from all backgrounds, and actively cultivate an atmosphere that welcomes diversity of all kinds.
I am accepting new couples and individuals. My work focuses on deepening how we tell stories about ourselves, as well as understanding and healing our relationships. Parenting, divorce, chronic illness, anxiety, shame, and relationship troubles are particularly good matches for me. Life can go sideways in all kinds of ways, and therapy can give you concrete tools and aha moments that can change everything. I have worked for over fifteen years in the mental health field, and love working with teens, adults, and couples. I welcome people from all backgrounds, and actively cultivate an atmosphere that welcomes diversity of all kinds.
Laura Weinstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR-BC, CMHS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98112
It's safe to say there is no one-size-fits-all way to come of age during a global pandemic and Youth Mental Health Crisis. As a youth and family art therapist, I am here to help, young adults, teens, and preteens learn to harness their strengths and turn them into coping skills they can use everyday to maintain emotional balance during these exceptionally stressful times. I am experienced in the full range of challenges facing young clients, but have particular expertise with depression / anxiety/ bi-polar disorder, major life transitions and stress, suicidal thoughts, gender exploration, PTSD, and chronic illness/ pain/ disability.
It's safe to say there is no one-size-fits-all way to come of age during a global pandemic and Youth Mental Health Crisis. As a youth and family art therapist, I am here to help, young adults, teens, and preteens learn to harness their strengths and turn them into coping skills they can use everyday to maintain emotional balance during these exceptionally stressful times. I am experienced in the full range of challenges facing young clients, but have particular expertise with depression / anxiety/ bi-polar disorder, major life transitions and stress, suicidal thoughts, gender exploration, PTSD, and chronic illness/ pain/ disability.
Bonnie Deopp Clinical Supervisor
Counselor, LMHC, CN
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98115 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Hello! And Welcome. We would be a good fit if you are interested in exploring the impact of past experiences on your here and now responses of body sensations, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through a mind-body approach. My areas of clinical focus are: 1).Complex Trauma and resulting Panic/Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Dysfunctional Coping, and Chronic Illness. 2).Loss of control when eating in adults and adolescents including Binge Eating Disorder, Bulimia, and Emotional Eating. 3). LGBTQ+ including gender affirming transitions 4). Addiction Recovery and Chronic Relapses 5). Fertility Issues and PCOS.
Hello! And Welcome. We would be a good fit if you are interested in exploring the impact of past experiences on your here and now responses of body sensations, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through a mind-body approach. My areas of clinical focus are: 1).Complex Trauma and resulting Panic/Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Dysfunctional Coping, and Chronic Illness. 2).Loss of control when eating in adults and adolescents including Binge Eating Disorder, Bulimia, and Emotional Eating. 3). LGBTQ+ including gender affirming transitions 4). Addiction Recovery and Chronic Relapses 5). Fertility Issues and PCOS.
Ridley Beierschmitt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98133
My clinical approach is largely psychodynamic with existential and humanistic elements. Some of my clinical interests include: adult developmental life transitions, the impact of chronic illness (on both the person with chronic illness and those caring for someone with chronic illness/ongoing health needs), and men's issues.
My clinical approach is largely psychodynamic with existential and humanistic elements. Some of my clinical interests include: adult developmental life transitions, the impact of chronic illness (on both the person with chronic illness and those caring for someone with chronic illness/ongoing health needs), and men's issues.
My 6+ years of experience have included working with many concerns, though LGBTQ+ issues, religious trauma and living with chronic illness have become my specialties.
Thanks for checking out my profile! My approach to counseling engages clients' unique inner worlds via practices like art therapy, dreamwork and attention to somatic signals, without neglecting the impacts of outer circumstances and systemic harms. My work as a supervisor aids counselors early in their career learning to attend in similar ways.
My 6+ years of experience have included working with many concerns, though LGBTQ+ issues, religious trauma and living with chronic illness have become my specialties.
Thanks for checking out my profile! My approach to counseling engages clients' unique inner worlds via practices like art therapy, dreamwork and attention to somatic signals, without neglecting the impacts of outer circumstances and systemic harms. My work as a supervisor aids counselors early in their career learning to attend in similar ways.
Welcome! I'm so glad you're here. As humans, we all struggle with coping sometimes. Coping could be more challenging because of chronic illness, pain, neurodiversity, anxiety, and depression. My fellow zebras may be familiar with the saying coined by Theodore Woodward, “When you hear hoofbeats, think of horses, not zebras,” which is commonly taught to doctors. This saying often results in individuals feeling invalidated and questioning their symptoms. Invalidation and lack of support can leave individuals feeling isolated. As a therapist, I aim to assist my clients with building coping mechanisms and providing emotional support.
Welcome! I'm so glad you're here. As humans, we all struggle with coping sometimes. Coping could be more challenging because of chronic illness, pain, neurodiversity, anxiety, and depression. My fellow zebras may be familiar with the saying coined by Theodore Woodward, “When you hear hoofbeats, think of horses, not zebras,” which is commonly taught to doctors. This saying often results in individuals feeling invalidated and questioning their symptoms. Invalidation and lack of support can leave individuals feeling isolated. As a therapist, I aim to assist my clients with building coping mechanisms and providing emotional support.
Skye White
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98107 (Online Only)
Managing symptoms of anxiety or depression, exploring boundaries and intricacies of interpersonal relationships, managing chronic illness, and healing from grief are all topics that bring people to my practice. Maybe you’re just looking to move through the world in accordance with your values rather than based on messaging you’ve received in your past. There are many reasons people seek therapy. Whatever your reasons are right now, the important thing is that you’ve identified that you would like the opportunity to benefit from this form of healing.
Managing symptoms of anxiety or depression, exploring boundaries and intricacies of interpersonal relationships, managing chronic illness, and healing from grief are all topics that bring people to my practice. Maybe you’re just looking to move through the world in accordance with your values rather than based on messaging you’ve received in your past. There are many reasons people seek therapy. Whatever your reasons are right now, the important thing is that you’ve identified that you would like the opportunity to benefit from this form of healing.
Elliott McMurray
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98107 (Online Only)
I am a trauma-focused practitioner and have experience working with adults and elders on a variety of concerns, including life transitions and stress, traumatic experiences, toxic and abusive relationships, chronic illness and disability, gender, sexuality, anxiety, and depression. As a person-centered practitioner, I believe that recovery is possible and that you know yourself best. I work to create an environment of unconditional acceptance as we work together to explore what's unresolved, unbalanced, and causing pain in your life. I draw from several evidence-based practices to provide individualized treatment to every client.
I am a trauma-focused practitioner and have experience working with adults and elders on a variety of concerns, including life transitions and stress, traumatic experiences, toxic and abusive relationships, chronic illness and disability, gender, sexuality, anxiety, and depression. As a person-centered practitioner, I believe that recovery is possible and that you know yourself best. I work to create an environment of unconditional acceptance as we work together to explore what's unresolved, unbalanced, and causing pain in your life. I draw from several evidence-based practices to provide individualized treatment to every client.
Current openings! Many people think their problems aren't bad enough to seek help and continue suffering in the status quo - but if you're reading this, you must be getting exhausted! You might be wondering why you have such big reactions to minor inconveniences, or why things seem to come easy for everyone else. You've probably tried all the "self care" and are frustrated that you're still struggling. I have a particular interest in working with late or self diagnosed neurodivergent women and chronic illness sufferers. If your anxiety or pain is increasing, or you just have a sense that things are "off," maybe I can help!
Current openings! Many people think their problems aren't bad enough to seek help and continue suffering in the status quo - but if you're reading this, you must be getting exhausted! You might be wondering why you have such big reactions to minor inconveniences, or why things seem to come easy for everyone else. You've probably tried all the "self care" and are frustrated that you're still struggling. I have a particular interest in working with late or self diagnosed neurodivergent women and chronic illness sufferers. If your anxiety or pain is increasing, or you just have a sense that things are "off," maybe I can help!
B. Bartja Wachtel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, QCSW, MHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98109 (Online Only)
Available: WED 01PM PT/10AM HST, THU 04PM PT/01PM HST. Please, first check the in-network insurance list below. Therapy works best when you're ready to consensually make therapy the priority. Suffering is a part of life and we work together to cultivate a relationship that helps you be with yourself with compassion. My experience is with people living with anxiety, depression, chronic illness (ALS, early on-set Dementias, MS, Parkinson's, TBI, Stroke, Cancer), end of life, caregiver burnout, finding meaning, depression/anxiety, non-dominant gender, romantic and sexual orientations, trauma, toxic masculinity and Sex-Positivity.
Available: WED 01PM PT/10AM HST, THU 04PM PT/01PM HST. Please, first check the in-network insurance list below. Therapy works best when you're ready to consensually make therapy the priority. Suffering is a part of life and we work together to cultivate a relationship that helps you be with yourself with compassion. My experience is with people living with anxiety, depression, chronic illness (ALS, early on-set Dementias, MS, Parkinson's, TBI, Stroke, Cancer), end of life, caregiver burnout, finding meaning, depression/anxiety, non-dominant gender, romantic and sexual orientations, trauma, toxic masculinity and Sex-Positivity.
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Sarah Page Maxwell
Pre-Licensed Professional, Intern
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103 (Online Only)
I am passionate about spreading awareness of Multiple Sclerosis, the chronic illness I was diagnosed with over a decade ago.
My goal is to work collaboratively with you to help you gain agency. I will aid you in getting to know yourself deeply and aim to provide a warm, judgment- and bias-free environment so you feel safe to be vulnerable. In today's society, it is easy to become overstimulated and overwhelmed; I will strive to help you cultivate presence and peace.
I am passionate about spreading awareness of Multiple Sclerosis, the chronic illness I was diagnosed with over a decade ago.
My goal is to work collaboratively with you to help you gain agency. I will aid you in getting to know yourself deeply and aim to provide a warm, judgment- and bias-free environment so you feel safe to be vulnerable. In today's society, it is easy to become overstimulated and overwhelmed; I will strive to help you cultivate presence and peace.
I specialize in supporting individuals who are living with chronic illness, injury, and physical disabilities; facing job stress, job loss, and career change; processing trauma including geopolitical crisis, displacement, natural disaster and climate disaster, and wrestling with identity and purpose.
I understand that the world can feel overwhelming and I’m here to support you throughout your healing journey and to explore the challenges you are facing. I serve individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and I strive to provide a compassionate and inclusive space for you to be seen, heard, and share your story. I am passionate about helping people to navigate uncertainty, anxiety, loss, trauma, and life transitions. My approach is centered on culturally responsive and trauma informed care.
I specialize in supporting individuals who are living with chronic illness, injury, and physical disabilities; facing job stress, job loss, and career change; processing trauma including geopolitical crisis, displacement, natural disaster and climate disaster, and wrestling with identity and purpose.
I understand that the world can feel overwhelming and I’m here to support you throughout your healing journey and to explore the challenges you are facing. I serve individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and I strive to provide a compassionate and inclusive space for you to be seen, heard, and share your story. I am passionate about helping people to navigate uncertainty, anxiety, loss, trauma, and life transitions. My approach is centered on culturally responsive and trauma informed care.
I am board certified in Rehabilitation Psychology and I have worked for three decades along side people with chronic illness and other medical conditions.
As a specialist in Rehabilitation Psychology, I most often work closely with patients who are managing complex social and medical situations. I build trust and connect with patients about their concerns, fears, and hopes. Most clients are striving to feel more connected to their community and building meaning in their lives. We can all improve in these areas and the science of psychology offers wonderful tools to accomplish these goals. I believe strongly in the power of human resilience in the face of adversity.
I am board certified in Rehabilitation Psychology and I have worked for three decades along side people with chronic illness and other medical conditions.
As a specialist in Rehabilitation Psychology, I most often work closely with patients who are managing complex social and medical situations. I build trust and connect with patients about their concerns, fears, and hopes. Most clients are striving to feel more connected to their community and building meaning in their lives. We can all improve in these areas and the science of psychology offers wonderful tools to accomplish these goals. I believe strongly in the power of human resilience in the face of adversity.
Are you seeking support to navigate life’s complexities? Do you want a space where your feelings are valued and understood? As a counselor, I am committed to supporting individuals who face a variety of challenges, including chronic illness, anxiety, disability, and mood disorders, all through a compassionate lens. My goal is to cultivate a judgment-free environment where individuals can embrace their authentic selves across all aspects of their identities. I believe in meeting clients exactly where they are, ensuring they feel heard and supported as they navigate life’s ups and downs.
Are you seeking support to navigate life’s complexities? Do you want a space where your feelings are valued and understood? As a counselor, I am committed to supporting individuals who face a variety of challenges, including chronic illness, anxiety, disability, and mood disorders, all through a compassionate lens. My goal is to cultivate a judgment-free environment where individuals can embrace their authentic selves across all aspects of their identities. I believe in meeting clients exactly where they are, ensuring they feel heard and supported as they navigate life’s ups and downs.
Caitlin Noelani Minniear
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CST, MDFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98109
Waitlist for new clients
I help individuals and couples navigate complex relational issues involving trauma, depression, anxiety, acculturation, chronic illness, and life transitions.
I believe that healing occurs when people are given the space to explore their unique emotional experience to better understand how it colors their worldview, sense of self, and relationships with others. Within a safe therapeutic relationship, I work with my clients to make meaning out of both mundane and extraordinary moments, unlocking their ability to live a more fully present, authentic life.
I help individuals and couples navigate complex relational issues involving trauma, depression, anxiety, acculturation, chronic illness, and life transitions.
I believe that healing occurs when people are given the space to explore their unique emotional experience to better understand how it colors their worldview, sense of self, and relationships with others. Within a safe therapeutic relationship, I work with my clients to make meaning out of both mundane and extraordinary moments, unlocking their ability to live a more fully present, authentic life.
Reach out today if you have issues related to trauma, OCD, chronic illness, or are the parents of trans kids.
I am a queer, nonbinary therapist who specializes in working with several niches of clients. I use Art Therapy, EMDR, somatic work, and psychedelic-assisted-therapy (with the adults). I offer services in WA, OR, ID, GA, and UT. Contact me for more info or pop over to my website! It's got a LOT of good info about me.
Reach out today if you have issues related to trauma, OCD, chronic illness, or are the parents of trans kids.
I am a queer, nonbinary therapist who specializes in working with several niches of clients. I use Art Therapy, EMDR, somatic work, and psychedelic-assisted-therapy (with the adults). I offer services in WA, OR, ID, GA, and UT. Contact me for more info or pop over to my website! It's got a LOT of good info about me.
Hello! I work with adolescents and adults both in-person (my office is located in Everett), as well as throughout WA state through telehealth. I specialize in working with anxiety, eating disorders, childhood trauma, chronic illness, depression, professional burnout, suicidal thoughts, self harm behaviors, and those who may be exploring their queer and/or gender identity and expression. Some clients also come to me for general emotional support or want an outside perspective on a situation that is impacting their life.
Hello! I work with adolescents and adults both in-person (my office is located in Everett), as well as throughout WA state through telehealth. I specialize in working with anxiety, eating disorders, childhood trauma, chronic illness, depression, professional burnout, suicidal thoughts, self harm behaviors, and those who may be exploring their queer and/or gender identity and expression. Some clients also come to me for general emotional support or want an outside perspective on a situation that is impacting their life.
Melissa Brainerd
Pre-Licensed Professional, BA, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98104 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with chronic illness/disability, developmental and life transitions, the exploration of self (which may include ADHD, autism, depression, or anxiety), & teen/young adult development.
Being true to yourself in a changing world can be challenging. Therapy can help you to clarify who you are, what you believe, and how to get on the path you want to take. Counseling is an investment in yourself and a chance to be intentional with the life you have ahead. Life’s transitions and obstacles, whether they be internal, external, or systemic, can be made easier with some assistance. Holding space, bearing witness, identifying patterns, and highlighting your strengths: my role adjusts to your needs. My clients are able to share their whole selves as they work towards becoming their best selves.
I specialize in working with chronic illness/disability, developmental and life transitions, the exploration of self (which may include ADHD, autism, depression, or anxiety), & teen/young adult development.
Being true to yourself in a changing world can be challenging. Therapy can help you to clarify who you are, what you believe, and how to get on the path you want to take. Counseling is an investment in yourself and a chance to be intentional with the life you have ahead. Life’s transitions and obstacles, whether they be internal, external, or systemic, can be made easier with some assistance. Holding space, bearing witness, identifying patterns, and highlighting your strengths: my role adjusts to your needs. My clients are able to share their whole selves as they work towards becoming their best selves.
Kelly Hutton, Chronic pain and illness therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98104
Welcome! Do you have chronic pain, chronic fatigue, or chronic illness you are managing? Or, do you love someone or care for someone with these issues? If so, you are in the right place. I specialize in working with chronic pain, chronic illness, medical trauma, neurocognitive issues (memory). Living with pain/illness comes with enormous grief, and it can be incredibly lonely. You might find you are irritable, have trouble with sleeping, can't concentrate or focus or struggle with daily tasks that used to be easy. Your relationships might be suffering as you can't show up how you used to. I am here to support you.
Welcome! Do you have chronic pain, chronic fatigue, or chronic illness you are managing? Or, do you love someone or care for someone with these issues? If so, you are in the right place. I specialize in working with chronic pain, chronic illness, medical trauma, neurocognitive issues (memory). Living with pain/illness comes with enormous grief, and it can be incredibly lonely. You might find you are irritable, have trouble with sleeping, can't concentrate or focus or struggle with daily tasks that used to be easy. Your relationships might be suffering as you can't show up how you used to. I am here to support you.
See more therapy options for Seattle
Nearby Chronic Illness Therapists Searches for Seattle
- Bainbridge Island
- Bellevue
- Burien
- Kenmore
- Kirkland
- Lake Forest Park
- Lynnwood
- Medina
- Mercer Island
- Seatac
- Shoreline
- Tukwila
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.