Therapists in Seattle, WA
![Photo of Bonnie Deopp Clinical Supervisor, LMHC, CN, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6701859f-d4fd-454a-950d-f312d0268d84/3/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Niki Oliphant, LMHCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/330f5179-108b-478e-bd28-62aa0d68adb7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi I'm Niki! I work with a wide variety of clients including those experiencing chronic illness, anxiety, disability, and mood disorders. My aim in counseling is to create a judgment free space where clients can feel comfortable being their authentic selves in all of their identities. I believe it’s important to meet clients exactly where they are, allowing them to feel heard and supported throughout life's challenges. I strive to create a safe space for emotional expression with clients as well as creating meaningful change in their lives.
Hi I'm Niki! I work with a wide variety of clients including those experiencing chronic illness, anxiety, disability, and mood disorders. My aim in counseling is to create a judgment free space where clients can feel comfortable being their authentic selves in all of their identities. I believe it’s important to meet clients exactly where they are, allowing them to feel heard and supported throughout life's challenges. I strive to create a safe space for emotional expression with clients as well as creating meaningful change in their lives.
![Photo of Ridley Beierschmitt, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/698c620f-07cc-4e28-9a67-4eb89dc5a4aa/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Jess Minckley, MFA, MA, LMHC, NCC, ATR-P, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/07417c5b-6823-4b64-8b84-3bc4fe8b0775/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a queer nonbinary therapist who specializes in working with three niches of clients. 1) trans kids & teens and their families. 2) adults struggling with grief around chronic illness, pain, & disability and 3) queer couples counseling. Art therapy, EMDR, somatic work, and psychedelic-assisted-therapy (with the adults) can be game-changers. I offer mental health counseling & art therapy in WA, OR, and art therapy in California. Contact me for more infor on EMDR and KAP or read my website.
I am a queer nonbinary therapist who specializes in working with three niches of clients. 1) trans kids & teens and their families. 2) adults struggling with grief around chronic illness, pain, & disability and 3) queer couples counseling. Art therapy, EMDR, somatic work, and psychedelic-assisted-therapy (with the adults) can be game-changers. I offer mental health counseling & art therapy in WA, OR, and art therapy in California. Contact me for more infor on EMDR and KAP or read my website.
![Photo of Joe Vr Gobunquin, MA LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/435d3d5c-65de-4f8e-8c8a-2faeda28bbc3/2/320x400.jpeg)
My work with clients include: Depression, Trauma, Anxiety, Phobia, ADHD in adults, OCD, coping with disabilities, coping with chronic illness, cultural adjustment, bereavement, discrimination, anti-oppression issues, immigrant and refugee issues, aging issues.
You don’t have to be alone. Today, your journey to healing begins. I aim to know my client. This allows me to undertand their issues, their needs and their goals. Growing up with disability provided an opportunity for me to rise above discrimination, bullying, racism, oppression, marginalization, anxiety, depression, and face life’s unending challenges. I am fluent and can provide therapy in three languages fluently, English, Ilokano, Tagalog. I am trained in Eastern and Western approaches. I use evidenced based treatment interventions including but not limited to EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Approach.
My work with clients include: Depression, Trauma, Anxiety, Phobia, ADHD in adults, OCD, coping with disabilities, coping with chronic illness, cultural adjustment, bereavement, discrimination, anti-oppression issues, immigrant and refugee issues, aging issues.
You don’t have to be alone. Today, your journey to healing begins. I aim to know my client. This allows me to undertand their issues, their needs and their goals. Growing up with disability provided an opportunity for me to rise above discrimination, bullying, racism, oppression, marginalization, anxiety, depression, and face life’s unending challenges. I am fluent and can provide therapy in three languages fluently, English, Ilokano, Tagalog. I am trained in Eastern and Western approaches. I use evidenced based treatment interventions including but not limited to EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Approach.
![Photo of Catherine Wetzel Larkin, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0c044dc5-bd7d-4ce9-864a-4d0009d2e7c1/4/320x400.jpeg)
Issues I work with include: Addiction and harm reduction; Managing stress, depression, anxiety; Mid-life issues and transitions; Couples, marriage and family counseling; Chronic illness; Professional development; Early marriage, pregnancy; Post-partum, early parenting; Adolescence and parenting of adolescents; Mindfulness practice and spiritual development.
I am a licensed Mental Health therapist ( WA license number: 00010994) with twenty five years of experience counseling individuals, couples, families, and adolescents. I have a special interest in neuroscience and attachment theory in the context of helping individuals cope and heal from stress, trauma, and grief. I am also passionate about assisting people in developing healthy, authentic relationships, and in carving out their own unique life course. I believe that the relationship that is built between client and therapist is an important part of therapeutic growth and change.
Issues I work with include: Addiction and harm reduction; Managing stress, depression, anxiety; Mid-life issues and transitions; Couples, marriage and family counseling; Chronic illness; Professional development; Early marriage, pregnancy; Post-partum, early parenting; Adolescence and parenting of adolescents; Mindfulness practice and spiritual development.
I am a licensed Mental Health therapist ( WA license number: 00010994) with twenty five years of experience counseling individuals, couples, families, and adolescents. I have a special interest in neuroscience and attachment theory in the context of helping individuals cope and heal from stress, trauma, and grief. I am also passionate about assisting people in developing healthy, authentic relationships, and in carving out their own unique life course. I believe that the relationship that is built between client and therapist is an important part of therapeutic growth and change.
![Photo of LaDonna Smith, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5c8ed69f-86b6-4b0e-bad5-ef43a97ef3bb/1/320x400.jpeg)
LaDonna Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98122 (Online Only)
LaDonna specializes in supporting women through life-stage transitions, those who have experienced trauma, couples seeking to develop a meaningful connection in their relationships, those with chronic illness, and helping clients integrate spirituality into the challenges of life. LaDonna enjoys assisting clients in unpacking through collaboration to bring renewed hope, healing, and restoration. This approach then helps clients differentiate between thoughts and feelings, to learn behaviors and skills to overcome life difficulties.
LaDonna specializes in supporting women through life-stage transitions, those who have experienced trauma, couples seeking to develop a meaningful connection in their relationships, those with chronic illness, and helping clients integrate spirituality into the challenges of life. LaDonna enjoys assisting clients in unpacking through collaboration to bring renewed hope, healing, and restoration. This approach then helps clients differentiate between thoughts and feelings, to learn behaviors and skills to overcome life difficulties.
![Photo of Sarah Shapiro, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c083daa7-e010-4b6d-9f20-a96e481dcf3f/4/320x400.jpeg)
I provide Telehealth services to individuals in Washington and Colorado. Are you struggling to cope with a mental health condition, difficult life circumstance, or (gestures broadly at the state of the world)? Do you feel like you “should” know what to do… but you don’t? Are you burning out? I help teens and adults struggling to cope with mental health symptoms, traumatic experiences, life stressors, chronic illness, LGBTQ+ issues, body image, and religious trauma. I believe every person has intrinsic worth, deserves to express their authentic self, and can participate in their own healing.
I provide Telehealth services to individuals in Washington and Colorado. Are you struggling to cope with a mental health condition, difficult life circumstance, or (gestures broadly at the state of the world)? Do you feel like you “should” know what to do… but you don’t? Are you burning out? I help teens and adults struggling to cope with mental health symptoms, traumatic experiences, life stressors, chronic illness, LGBTQ+ issues, body image, and religious trauma. I believe every person has intrinsic worth, deserves to express their authentic self, and can participate in their own healing.
![Photo of JODIE LEUENBERGER, MSW, LSWAIC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/512c019b-287b-4ba1-8820-ca2bf0a95275/2/320x400.jpeg)
JODIE LEUENBERGER
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98107 (Online Only)
I specialize in providing support for individuals navigating challenging life transitions, such as anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, terminal/chronic illness diagnoses, relationship issues, divorce, and dating.
With a decade of invaluable experience in collaborating with a diverse range of populations, my goal is to guarantee that individuals, families and couples from all walks of life have convenient access to exceptional mental health care services. Passionate about fostering mental well-being, I strive to provide top-tier support and guidance to those in need. I believe that creating a safe and open environment for a client to express their individual viewpoints and experiences is important in fostering therapeutic growth. The foundation of successful therapeutic relationships lies in embracing diverse perspectives.
I specialize in providing support for individuals navigating challenging life transitions, such as anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, terminal/chronic illness diagnoses, relationship issues, divorce, and dating.
With a decade of invaluable experience in collaborating with a diverse range of populations, my goal is to guarantee that individuals, families and couples from all walks of life have convenient access to exceptional mental health care services. Passionate about fostering mental well-being, I strive to provide top-tier support and guidance to those in need. I believe that creating a safe and open environment for a client to express their individual viewpoints and experiences is important in fostering therapeutic growth. The foundation of successful therapeutic relationships lies in embracing diverse perspectives.
![Photo of Bonnie Walchuk - Bonnie Walchuk at Dream Big Wellness, MA, LMFT, ATR-BC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ccda4a6-6c50-48cd-bca5-290906368849/3/320x400.jpeg)
Bonnie Walchuk at Dream Big Wellness
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98125
Waitlist for new clients
At Dream Big Wellness we warmly welcome our clients in taking this step to find support and compassionate care. We are a team of licensed and experienced clinicians in WA state & nationally registered art therapists. We specialize in supporting people impacted by cancer, medical illness, chronic illness/pain, trauma, stress, bereavement, grief & loss, adjustment & transition, anxiety & depression. Dream Big Wellness is an Art Therapy & Integrative Wellness 501(c)3 Nonprofit increasing access to mental health care, art therapy, and wellness services through our Pay it Forward Program. www.dreambigwellness.org/pay-it-forward/
At Dream Big Wellness we warmly welcome our clients in taking this step to find support and compassionate care. We are a team of licensed and experienced clinicians in WA state & nationally registered art therapists. We specialize in supporting people impacted by cancer, medical illness, chronic illness/pain, trauma, stress, bereavement, grief & loss, adjustment & transition, anxiety & depression. Dream Big Wellness is an Art Therapy & Integrative Wellness 501(c)3 Nonprofit increasing access to mental health care, art therapy, and wellness services through our Pay it Forward Program. www.dreambigwellness.org/pay-it-forward/
![Photo of Amy Ryan, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f134f80f-fe8e-4e66-b2fb-4f3a04958d44/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have a professional interest in working with individuals living with chronic pain and chronic illness, those struggling with work-life balance, and those experiencing major life transitions.
Therapy offers an opportunity for discovery, self-reflection, and ultimately transformation. I approach the therapeutic process with curiosity, genuineness, and compassion. Theoretically speaking, I draw from cognitive-behavioral and existential perspectives to help conceptualize your life journey and challenges. My overall style is warm and direct while honoring and recognizing the expertise you bring on your life to the counseling process.
I have a professional interest in working with individuals living with chronic pain and chronic illness, those struggling with work-life balance, and those experiencing major life transitions.
Therapy offers an opportunity for discovery, self-reflection, and ultimately transformation. I approach the therapeutic process with curiosity, genuineness, and compassion. Theoretically speaking, I draw from cognitive-behavioral and existential perspectives to help conceptualize your life journey and challenges. My overall style is warm and direct while honoring and recognizing the expertise you bring on your life to the counseling process.
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![Photo of Kristie Miller, LICSW, RN, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d10f0bce-2a64-485e-932f-0783f440dd26/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kristie Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, RN
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98115 (Online Only)
These experiences have equipped me to work with clients with a wide range of concerns including chronic illness, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, infertility, and grief/loss.
The name of my business, Resilient Roots Counseling, captures the essence of my therapeutic philosophy. I believe we set down roots as we journey through life. Sometimes we grow abundantly through rich, fertile soil. Other times we must grow despite rocky, unproductive dirt. In these times, we can find healthy ways to cope and learn to be resilient. As a therapist, I will come alongside you as you work through your challenges, whether it be past or present. I will listen with empathy and compassion and provide tools to help you on your journey. I will encourage you to discover your authentic self and find ways to thrive.
These experiences have equipped me to work with clients with a wide range of concerns including chronic illness, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, infertility, and grief/loss.
The name of my business, Resilient Roots Counseling, captures the essence of my therapeutic philosophy. I believe we set down roots as we journey through life. Sometimes we grow abundantly through rich, fertile soil. Other times we must grow despite rocky, unproductive dirt. In these times, we can find healthy ways to cope and learn to be resilient. As a therapist, I will come alongside you as you work through your challenges, whether it be past or present. I will listen with empathy and compassion and provide tools to help you on your journey. I will encourage you to discover your authentic self and find ways to thrive.
![Photo of Anne Davis, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b19203fc-87c8-466c-9bd4-4bbea65a6510/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work with women who are struggling with symptoms related to trauma, grief, depression, and chronic illness. I believe it is possible not only to recover, but to achieve greater resilience and post-traumatic growth. My goal will always be to help you find hope and strength in your journey while building greater insights and coping strategies. I hope to support and empower you to rise unbroken from whatever challenges you may face.
I work with women who are struggling with symptoms related to trauma, grief, depression, and chronic illness. I believe it is possible not only to recover, but to achieve greater resilience and post-traumatic growth. My goal will always be to help you find hope and strength in your journey while building greater insights and coping strategies. I hope to support and empower you to rise unbroken from whatever challenges you may face.
![Photo of Katee Martinez, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5af3ac9b-885a-41d5-9de4-1021a0ba7347/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting new clients! Do you feel on edge all the time? Is focusing on one task nearly impossible due to all the worries and negative thoughts that won’t leave you alone? Maybe “just get through today” is stuck on repeat in your head. Maybe you feel lost and confused about who you are and what you’re doing with your life. These experiences can feel hopeless. Together, we will navigate the circumstances and contexts that drain us, fill us with anxiety and dread, and strip us of our health and well-being. We will explore ways to feel liberated and more expansive without the weight of what you cannot control weighing you down.
Accepting new clients! Do you feel on edge all the time? Is focusing on one task nearly impossible due to all the worries and negative thoughts that won’t leave you alone? Maybe “just get through today” is stuck on repeat in your head. Maybe you feel lost and confused about who you are and what you’re doing with your life. These experiences can feel hopeless. Together, we will navigate the circumstances and contexts that drain us, fill us with anxiety and dread, and strip us of our health and well-being. We will explore ways to feel liberated and more expansive without the weight of what you cannot control weighing you down.
![Photo of Dianne Graham, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e494464-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Emotional pain, fear, and problems in life can propel someone into therapy. Distress can feel deep-rooted, and in actuality, often does reflect early, 'ancient' issues. I believe that also in our deepest roots, we may tap into powers of resilience and of amazing, unique selfhood that nourish us in development toward our human potentialities. In courageous exploration of, and work through life's challenges, we can find, and bring to light, marvelous, hard-won gifts of self-actualization, and well-being.
Emotional pain, fear, and problems in life can propel someone into therapy. Distress can feel deep-rooted, and in actuality, often does reflect early, 'ancient' issues. I believe that also in our deepest roots, we may tap into powers of resilience and of amazing, unique selfhood that nourish us in development toward our human potentialities. In courageous exploration of, and work through life's challenges, we can find, and bring to light, marvelous, hard-won gifts of self-actualization, and well-being.
![Photo of Jeanette Silva, MSW, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/29eb050c-b763-41da-b276-d8e905212d36/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a therapist, I believe that to have a successful counseling experience, it is critical that you feel fully listened to and understood. I use careful listening and reflecting to join with you to address what is most important to you. I have a compassionate, empathetic style, which I believe is essential for us to move forward as we discuss what is troubling you. I have helped many clients deal with a variety of difficult relationship issues, anxiety and depression, work / life stress, divorces, trauma and abuse. I ensure that you are fully understood and attain the support that you need to deal with life’s difficulties.
As a therapist, I believe that to have a successful counseling experience, it is critical that you feel fully listened to and understood. I use careful listening and reflecting to join with you to address what is most important to you. I have a compassionate, empathetic style, which I believe is essential for us to move forward as we discuss what is troubling you. I have helped many clients deal with a variety of difficult relationship issues, anxiety and depression, work / life stress, divorces, trauma and abuse. I ensure that you are fully understood and attain the support that you need to deal with life’s difficulties.
![Photo of Michelle Bayard, MSW, LICSW, LCSW, OSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1b2478d4-67a7-4c33-adb9-a158aa7d365a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Bayard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98136 (Online Only)
My approach is supported by mindfulness practices and tailored to your individual needs. I provide individual counseling support for parents of children or adults with developmental disabilities and/or significant medical conditions as well as adults impacted by cancer. Individual coaching related to resource navigation such as DDA, healthcare systems, government benefits. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Washington State and Montana with over 23 years of experience in the field of developmental disabilities and medical social work, including 12 years with DDA and over 7 years in pediatric hospitals and clinics.
My approach is supported by mindfulness practices and tailored to your individual needs. I provide individual counseling support for parents of children or adults with developmental disabilities and/or significant medical conditions as well as adults impacted by cancer. Individual coaching related to resource navigation such as DDA, healthcare systems, government benefits. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Washington State and Montana with over 23 years of experience in the field of developmental disabilities and medical social work, including 12 years with DDA and over 7 years in pediatric hospitals and clinics.
![Photo of Joshua Bleustar, MA, LMHC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d241fb3e-aba6-4fb7-b552-a6b9fa6bd663/1/320x400.jpeg)
I provide secure and confidential online supportive care from your place of comfort and safety. We will process your life story and welcome your authentic self; Shift perspectives and learn new ways to be resilient and motivated through your healing journey. In this practice I currently welcome those with personal trauma. Influenced by decades of therapeutic training and personally living through disability diagnosis. Together we can consider disruptions in cognition, emotions, and vocation caused by disability, childhood trauma and other PTSD sources and concerns.
I provide secure and confidential online supportive care from your place of comfort and safety. We will process your life story and welcome your authentic self; Shift perspectives and learn new ways to be resilient and motivated through your healing journey. In this practice I currently welcome those with personal trauma. Influenced by decades of therapeutic training and personally living through disability diagnosis. Together we can consider disruptions in cognition, emotions, and vocation caused by disability, childhood trauma and other PTSD sources and concerns.
![Photo of Nicole Parsons, MA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d32ea9d6-cc35-4e8f-8b35-2b99165a84ec/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that something powerful happens when we are seen, heard, and equipped with dignity and support. Counseling is a transformative process that can promote healing, hope, and change as we navigate the challenges that come with being human. I approach therapy through a person-centered, narrative, and family-systems framework. This means that the therapeutic process is centered around your story, your context, and your intersecting identities. I also prioritize trauma-informed care and utilize EMDR to help clients move from feeling stuck in the past to safe and empowered in the present.
I believe that something powerful happens when we are seen, heard, and equipped with dignity and support. Counseling is a transformative process that can promote healing, hope, and change as we navigate the challenges that come with being human. I approach therapy through a person-centered, narrative, and family-systems framework. This means that the therapeutic process is centered around your story, your context, and your intersecting identities. I also prioritize trauma-informed care and utilize EMDR to help clients move from feeling stuck in the past to safe and empowered in the present.
![Photo of Tim Neumann, MA, LMHCA, CMHS, CIMHP, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1572221b-fb84-48eb-a923-177278058a2a/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a white, neurodivergent, pansexual, cismale, and 3rd generation Italian-North European immigrant living on Puyallup / Steilacoom lands (Fircrest, WA) but born and raised in Očhéthi Šakówiŋ / Wahpekute lands (Minneapolis, MN). I work from a place that acknowledges my own identity and privileges in effort to help clients address their own identity, struggles, and role in systems of oppression. I value activism and allyship including addressing political issues directly in my work, examining my own assumptions and blind spots, and working to always increase my awareness of oppression and systemic issues.
I am a white, neurodivergent, pansexual, cismale, and 3rd generation Italian-North European immigrant living on Puyallup / Steilacoom lands (Fircrest, WA) but born and raised in Očhéthi Šakówiŋ / Wahpekute lands (Minneapolis, MN). I work from a place that acknowledges my own identity and privileges in effort to help clients address their own identity, struggles, and role in systems of oppression. I value activism and allyship including addressing political issues directly in my work, examining my own assumptions and blind spots, and working to always increase my awareness of oppression and systemic issues.
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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.