Photo of Anthony Brooks, Counselor in 60441, IL
Anthony Brooks
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Lockport, IL 60441
As a 3rd generation social services worker, I often joke that I was born into this field. I cannot imagine myself in any other profession. This is all I have ever wanted to do. With that being said, I was also born into a society that often refuses to accept the necessity for therapy. Especially for men and people of color. Part of my aim as a clinician is to dispel some of the bias towards seeking help for mental health issues. If you had an injured limb, you would seek out help. If you had contracted a virus, you would seek out help. Why should seeking out help for emotional and mental illness be any different? It should not!
As a 3rd generation social services worker, I often joke that I was born into this field. I cannot imagine myself in any other profession. This is all I have ever wanted to do. With that being said, I was also born into a society that often refuses to accept the necessity for therapy. Especially for men and people of color. Part of my aim as a clinician is to dispel some of the bias towards seeking help for mental health issues. If you had an injured limb, you would seek out help. If you had contracted a virus, you would seek out help. Why should seeking out help for emotional and mental illness be any different? It should not!
(630) 626-8160 View (630) 626-8160
Bradford Czochara
Psychologist, PsyD, ABN, LPC, CGP
Verified Verified
Romeoville, IL 60441
Waitlist for new clients
I take a holistic approach to clients. I work with clients using an integrated approach focusing on symptom management and working towards goals to help clients reach their full potential. I provide neuropsychological assessment and provide neuropsychological services when needed. Please contact me by email for more information regarding my approach to clients and how I can help you.
I take a holistic approach to clients. I work with clients using an integrated approach focusing on symptom management and working towards goals to help clients reach their full potential. I provide neuropsychological assessment and provide neuropsychological services when needed. Please contact me by email for more information regarding my approach to clients and how I can help you.
(815) 261-4035 View (815) 261-4035

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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.