Chronic Illness Therapists in Crawford County, AR
Do you feel as if your life has a “before” and “after?” Do you feel stuck, like you can’t shake what happened to you or your relationships? I would love the opportunity to help you make sense of your story and build your path forward. - ¿Sientes como si tu vida tuviera un “antes” y un “después”? ¿Te sientes atascado, como si no pudieras deshacerte de lo que te ha pasado a ti o a tus relaciones? Me encantaría tener la oportunidad de ayudarte a dar sentido a tu historia y construir tu camino hacia adelante.
Do you feel as if your life has a “before” and “after?” Do you feel stuck, like you can’t shake what happened to you or your relationships? I would love the opportunity to help you make sense of your story and build your path forward. - ¿Sientes como si tu vida tuviera un “antes” y un “después”? ¿Te sientes atascado, como si no pudieras deshacerte de lo que te ha pasado a ti o a tus relaciones? Me encantaría tener la oportunidad de ayudarte a dar sentido a tu historia y construir tu camino hacia adelante.
Dr. Vaughn DeCoster
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW, CQSW
Verified Verified
Van Buren, AR 72956
We all lead busy, complex lives, and often overly critical of ourselves. In reality, we're just doing the best we can with what life throws at us. Anxiety, sadness, depression, burnout, feeling lost, overwhelmed, or loneliness can take a toll on us. We just want things to settle, make some sense, and feel better. That's what I'm here to help you do.
It takes courage to seek help and actively move towards a more satisfying, meaningful, and happier life. It’s wonderful that you're considering this first step!
We all lead busy, complex lives, and often overly critical of ourselves. In reality, we're just doing the best we can with what life throws at us. Anxiety, sadness, depression, burnout, feeling lost, overwhelmed, or loneliness can take a toll on us. We just want things to settle, make some sense, and feel better. That's what I'm here to help you do.
It takes courage to seek help and actively move towards a more satisfying, meaningful, and happier life. It’s wonderful that you're considering this first step!
Dr. Deborah Braboy
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, NCC
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
Serves Area
My goal is for my clients to feel hope when they leave my office. I believe there are times when folks are lacking the tools to get back on track after they have been derailed by life. I believe healing starts within the therapeutic relationship and I look forward to connecting with clients! My job is to help them on their journey in working toward a healthy outlook and better connections in their relationships. I enjoy working with those who are dealing with grief & loss issues, trauma, relationship struggles, anyone who just need someone who cares.
My goal is for my clients to feel hope when they leave my office. I believe there are times when folks are lacking the tools to get back on track after they have been derailed by life. I believe healing starts within the therapeutic relationship and I look forward to connecting with clients! My job is to help them on their journey in working toward a healthy outlook and better connections in their relationships. I enjoy working with those who are dealing with grief & loss issues, trauma, relationship struggles, anyone who just need someone who cares.
Step out into freedom and embrace the life you were born to live! Is fear running your life? Do you hide the “real you” from family & friends? Discover the courage to be who you truly are! Many people dealing with anxiety, depression and gender and sexuality issues feel they are missing out on life. Clients I work with often report feeling alone and afraid to reach out for help. They no longer want to hide who they are, yet also feel stuck moving forward due to lack of support or fear of judgement. My passion is to help you ditch the shame and find freedom to love the person in the mirror despite the opinions of others.
Step out into freedom and embrace the life you were born to live! Is fear running your life? Do you hide the “real you” from family & friends? Discover the courage to be who you truly are! Many people dealing with anxiety, depression and gender and sexuality issues feel they are missing out on life. Clients I work with often report feeling alone and afraid to reach out for help. They no longer want to hide who they are, yet also feel stuck moving forward due to lack of support or fear of judgement. My passion is to help you ditch the shame and find freedom to love the person in the mirror despite the opinions of others.
Stacy Adams
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT-TA, EMDR-T, CSAM, CAIMHP, C-ADHD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I want to start by saying that I truly hold a solid belief that each and every human deserves to feel happiness, love, excitement, contentment, and ultimately to achieve their dreams, desires, goals, and best-selves! I implement an integrative approach, with a craving to help. Whether that assistance be with an individual navigating ADHD, a person learning to cope with anxiety/depression, a couple for growth & change, entire family in need, I am devoted to seeking out and destroying the obstacles, strongholds, cognitive distortions, or whatever the “problem” is that is impeding their ability to live happy, healthy, fulfilled lives.
I want to start by saying that I truly hold a solid belief that each and every human deserves to feel happiness, love, excitement, contentment, and ultimately to achieve their dreams, desires, goals, and best-selves! I implement an integrative approach, with a craving to help. Whether that assistance be with an individual navigating ADHD, a person learning to cope with anxiety/depression, a couple for growth & change, entire family in need, I am devoted to seeking out and destroying the obstacles, strongholds, cognitive distortions, or whatever the “problem” is that is impeding their ability to live happy, healthy, fulfilled lives.
I am open to helping any individual that needs help with a psychiatric diagnosis. I do not treat acute events that need detox but happy to help sustained sobriety. I am also happy to help with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, and many more.
I am open to helping any individual that needs help with a psychiatric diagnosis. I do not treat acute events that need detox but happy to help sustained sobriety. I am also happy to help with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, and many more.
Online Therapists
Emily Veasey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bentonville, AR 72712
Waitlist for new clients
I have lived experience with chronic illness as well.
I am nationally certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and am trained in multiple modalities of Play Therapy. I provide individual, family, and group therapy services. I worked in school-based services for 3 years until moving to private practice.
I have lived experience with chronic illness as well.
I am nationally certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and am trained in multiple modalities of Play Therapy. I provide individual, family, and group therapy services. I worked in school-based services for 3 years until moving to private practice.
Melissa Kuhles Atkinson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fayetteville, AR 72701
I have enjoyed working with a wide variety of clients including individuals who are dealing with lifelong chronic illness, maternal issues; including perinatal mood disorders, trauma or loss, parenting, and adults who are trying to figure out their path in life, coping with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, and relationship issues.
I strive to provide a warm, respectful, comfortable environment for you to explore your life and areas of discontent. I believe people can benefit from therapy at any stage in life, things come up and often we need a sounding board to gain insight into our future goals or past experiences. When something is off in our lives, it is difficult to figure out how to move forward to achieve balance. My goal is to help you feel supported and empowered to make significant changes in your life and improve overall well being. I have immediate availability as of 1/22/2025.
I have enjoyed working with a wide variety of clients including individuals who are dealing with lifelong chronic illness, maternal issues; including perinatal mood disorders, trauma or loss, parenting, and adults who are trying to figure out their path in life, coping with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, and relationship issues.
I strive to provide a warm, respectful, comfortable environment for you to explore your life and areas of discontent. I believe people can benefit from therapy at any stage in life, things come up and often we need a sounding board to gain insight into our future goals or past experiences. When something is off in our lives, it is difficult to figure out how to move forward to achieve balance. My goal is to help you feel supported and empowered to make significant changes in your life and improve overall well being. I have immediate availability as of 1/22/2025.
Kara Willis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fayetteville, AR 72703
My work in dialysis has informed me on strategies to help patients manage the emotional stress of chronic illness & medical concerns.
I use a supportive client centered approach. I want to offer an inclusive space for the unique concerns of people of color, women, and members of the LGBTQA+ community. I want to be a resource to you & provide the space to process your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Finding the right therapist for you makes talk therapy so validating & rewarding!
My work in dialysis has informed me on strategies to help patients manage the emotional stress of chronic illness & medical concerns.
I use a supportive client centered approach. I want to offer an inclusive space for the unique concerns of people of color, women, and members of the LGBTQA+ community. I want to be a resource to you & provide the space to process your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Finding the right therapist for you makes talk therapy so validating & rewarding!
I have both professional training and personal experience with chronic illness and traumatic loss.
I am passionate about empowering individuals to recognize their own strengths, set goals, and work towards achieving their dreams. I love helping people make connections to have a better understanding of their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. Sometimes you might feel misunderstood, frustrated, or overwhelmed. Other times, you might experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief and significant life challenges. Whatever season of life you're in, you belong here! I use a holistic approach to overall healing, incorporating mind and body connections. I have experience working with individuals in all ages and stages.
I have both professional training and personal experience with chronic illness and traumatic loss.
I am passionate about empowering individuals to recognize their own strengths, set goals, and work towards achieving their dreams. I love helping people make connections to have a better understanding of their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. Sometimes you might feel misunderstood, frustrated, or overwhelmed. Other times, you might experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief and significant life challenges. Whatever season of life you're in, you belong here! I use a holistic approach to overall healing, incorporating mind and body connections. I have experience working with individuals in all ages and stages.
I am passionate about helping individuals work through and process depression, anxiety, interpersonal relationships, chronic illness, grief, as well as life transitions and stressors.
During our time together, we will build a safe and judgment-free space. I believe that you are your best expert, and we will work together to achieve your goals. Your experiences, values, and goals are the focus of the sessions.
I am passionate about helping individuals work through and process depression, anxiety, interpersonal relationships, chronic illness, grief, as well as life transitions and stressors.
During our time together, we will build a safe and judgment-free space. I believe that you are your best expert, and we will work together to achieve your goals. Your experiences, values, and goals are the focus of the sessions.
I also support individuals coping with chronic illness and those navigating life transitions and adjustments.
My approach is both direct and empathetic, focusing on solutions and achieving goals. I utilize a variety of treatment modalities tailored to each client, with four core methods that I frequently apply: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps identify and change negative thought patterns; Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), designed to process traumatic experiences; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which emphasizes accepting thoughts and feelings while committing to actions aligned with personal values; and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
I also support individuals coping with chronic illness and those navigating life transitions and adjustments.
My approach is both direct and empathetic, focusing on solutions and achieving goals. I utilize a variety of treatment modalities tailored to each client, with four core methods that I frequently apply: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps identify and change negative thought patterns; Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), designed to process traumatic experiences; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which emphasizes accepting thoughts and feelings while committing to actions aligned with personal values; and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
My specialization focuses on trauma that spans across a myriad of symptoms and experiences such as depression, anxiety, varying traumas, grief & loss, PTSD, experiences of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, divorce, relationship challenges, chronic illness, family members or those close to a chronically ill person, religious trauma, and adoption, among other areas.
I'm passionate about understanding your journey and empowering you to lead a life filled with joy and vitality. The heart of my approach lies in compassion, curiosity and creativity, driving me to adopt a client-centered methodology. This means delving into not just your personal narrative but also understanding your environment, history, and the various systems influencing your present experience. I tailor my style and interventions to align with you. Together, we'll uncover what resonates most with you and co-create during the healing process.
My specialization focuses on trauma that spans across a myriad of symptoms and experiences such as depression, anxiety, varying traumas, grief & loss, PTSD, experiences of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, divorce, relationship challenges, chronic illness, family members or those close to a chronically ill person, religious trauma, and adoption, among other areas.
I'm passionate about understanding your journey and empowering you to lead a life filled with joy and vitality. The heart of my approach lies in compassion, curiosity and creativity, driving me to adopt a client-centered methodology. This means delving into not just your personal narrative but also understanding your environment, history, and the various systems influencing your present experience. I tailor my style and interventions to align with you. Together, we'll uncover what resonates most with you and co-create during the healing process.
If you’ve experienced trauma (emotional, physical, sexual and/or racial) or chronic illness it tends to affect how you react to stress.
It is possible to heal from these injuries and move toward a contented and productive life. With a combination of methods you can heal and move forward. For 40 years I’ve been a forward thinking consultant cultivating hope. I am a trauma informed Narrative therapist using EMDR as well as a variety of other techniques including unconditional positive regard.
If you’ve experienced trauma (emotional, physical, sexual and/or racial) or chronic illness it tends to affect how you react to stress.
It is possible to heal from these injuries and move toward a contented and productive life. With a combination of methods you can heal and move forward. For 40 years I’ve been a forward thinking consultant cultivating hope. I am a trauma informed Narrative therapist using EMDR as well as a variety of other techniques including unconditional positive regard.
Or maybe you have a chronic illness and/or physical disability that you are beyond frustrated with and are tired of having to go to endless doctors and spending money with little to no answers.
I'm trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and both of these have shown to be helpful with PTSD, trauma, depression, anxiety, etc. ART has been used to help stroke patients with walking and pain management.
Or maybe you have a chronic illness and/or physical disability that you are beyond frustrated with and are tired of having to go to endless doctors and spending money with little to no answers.
I'm trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and both of these have shown to be helpful with PTSD, trauma, depression, anxiety, etc. ART has been used to help stroke patients with walking and pain management.
I also support individuals coping with chronic illness and those navigating life transitions and adjustments.
My approach is both direct and empathetic, focusing on solutions and achieving goals. I utilize a variety of treatment modalities tailored to each client, with four core methods that I frequently apply: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps identify and change negative thought patterns; Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), designed to process traumatic experiences; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which emphasizes accepting thoughts and feelings while committing to actions aligned with personal values; and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
I also support individuals coping with chronic illness and those navigating life transitions and adjustments.
My approach is both direct and empathetic, focusing on solutions and achieving goals. I utilize a variety of treatment modalities tailored to each client, with four core methods that I frequently apply: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps identify and change negative thought patterns; Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), designed to process traumatic experiences; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which emphasizes accepting thoughts and feelings while committing to actions aligned with personal values; and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Linda Lay
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdS, LPC, NCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Feeling overwhelmed with anxiety, worry, fear or sadness? Is it a huge effort just to get through the day? Exhausted by life? Trying to balance your work and family life is draining all of your energy and you have zero time for yourself? Is caring for loved ones – aging parents, children, partner - through Illness or other life challenges taking a toll? You’re doing all you can but it still feels like it isn’t enough. You tell everyone that you're just tired, but really, you know you are overwhelmed and struggling. You don't sleep well or take care of yourself. There is no time, there is no energy, there is no you.
Feeling overwhelmed with anxiety, worry, fear or sadness? Is it a huge effort just to get through the day? Exhausted by life? Trying to balance your work and family life is draining all of your energy and you have zero time for yourself? Is caring for loved ones – aging parents, children, partner - through Illness or other life challenges taking a toll? You’re doing all you can but it still feels like it isn’t enough. You tell everyone that you're just tired, but really, you know you are overwhelmed and struggling. You don't sleep well or take care of yourself. There is no time, there is no energy, there is no you.
Alisa Mitchell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, CFRC, CIMHP, CMNCS, CSOTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Springdale, AR 72762
Waitlist for new clients
It’s been said that if we can survive the war that we battle with ourselves, we can survive anything. I genuinely believe that everyone can benefit from therapeutic intervention as a resource for adjusting to life’s unexpected changes and personal growth. I have a passion for bringing healing to individuals who have experienced trauma or are currently facing daily struggles that seem impossible to overcome. I strive to help my clients find healthy perceptions of themselves and know that no single approach is the right one for every individual. I genuinely aspire to work intensely with clients to find what works best for them.
It’s been said that if we can survive the war that we battle with ourselves, we can survive anything. I genuinely believe that everyone can benefit from therapeutic intervention as a resource for adjusting to life’s unexpected changes and personal growth. I have a passion for bringing healing to individuals who have experienced trauma or are currently facing daily struggles that seem impossible to overcome. I strive to help my clients find healthy perceptions of themselves and know that no single approach is the right one for every individual. I genuinely aspire to work intensely with clients to find what works best for them.
I specialize in helping people who are feeling tired, overwhelmed, and worried about health, success, relationships, and purpose. I have extensive experience treating anxiety, depression, and the effects of trauma. I work with adults and adolescents via video therapy in TN, NC, AR, KY, MT, NY, SC & FL and have 17 years of counseling experience.
I help clients make tangible improvements like better sleep, increased motivation, and the ability to cope with intense emotions. I'll engage you in conversations that increase your knowledge of yourself, hone your problem solving skills, and build your ability to tolerate challenges.
I specialize in helping people who are feeling tired, overwhelmed, and worried about health, success, relationships, and purpose. I have extensive experience treating anxiety, depression, and the effects of trauma. I work with adults and adolescents via video therapy in TN, NC, AR, KY, MT, NY, SC & FL and have 17 years of counseling experience.
I help clients make tangible improvements like better sleep, increased motivation, and the ability to cope with intense emotions. I'll engage you in conversations that increase your knowledge of yourself, hone your problem solving skills, and build your ability to tolerate challenges.
Jonna Michelle McCutcheon
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Bentonville, AR 72712
Whether it’s anxiety, depression, stressful adjustments, past, current trauma or even stress from everyday life situations. Regardless what life throws your way it always helps to have someone by your side that will say I’ve got you and we will get through this together. One of the biggest reasons Counseling is successful is therapeutic rapport. Feeling cared about and never judged is something everyone deserves. Our lives are ever changing and sometimes we need help navigating through the tough times. Opening up and talking, learning new ways of thinking, healing old wounds and coping skills are just a few of the ways I can help.
Whether it’s anxiety, depression, stressful adjustments, past, current trauma or even stress from everyday life situations. Regardless what life throws your way it always helps to have someone by your side that will say I’ve got you and we will get through this together. One of the biggest reasons Counseling is successful is therapeutic rapport. Feeling cared about and never judged is something everyone deserves. Our lives are ever changing and sometimes we need help navigating through the tough times. Opening up and talking, learning new ways of thinking, healing old wounds and coping skills are just a few of the ways I can help.
See more therapy options for Crawford County
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.