Chronic Illness Therapists in Phoenix, AZ
If you're feeling overwhelmed, navigating intense life changes, or wanting deeper healing- not just quick fixes- you don't have to do it alone. Therapy can be a space to slow down, understand what's happening beneath the surface, and reconnect with your emotional and physical well-being. Together we can explore the mind-body connection, work through relationship challenges, and help you gain clarity resilience, and insight that supports lasting growth.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, navigating intense life changes, or wanting deeper healing- not just quick fixes- you don't have to do it alone. Therapy can be a space to slow down, understand what's happening beneath the surface, and reconnect with your emotional and physical well-being. Together we can explore the mind-body connection, work through relationship challenges, and help you gain clarity resilience, and insight that supports lasting growth.
Worn down by anxiety, or by the daily weight of a chronic illness?
My style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in research. For sleep I use CBT-I, the gold-standard treatment for insomnia. My approach is tailored to your unique needs but I incorporate evidence-based techniques such as CBT, ACT, mindfulness, and DBT skills.
Worn down by anxiety, or by the daily weight of a chronic illness?
My style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in research. For sleep I use CBT-I, the gold-standard treatment for insomnia. My approach is tailored to your unique needs but I incorporate evidence-based techniques such as CBT, ACT, mindfulness, and DBT skills.
Ryan Barclay
Licensed Professional Counselor, MC, LPC
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I am a neurodivergent-affirming trauma therapist specializing in queer identity. Healing from trauma is hard, but it doesn't have to be done alone. I can help you reconnect with yourself so that you can live the life you want to be living. I practice from a holistic perspective and incorporate your body, culture, and sociopolitical position into the therapeutic process. I believe that authentic and safe relationships are the best way to heal from trauma. I strive to build that genuine connection with you as we do the work of healing and growing beyond where you are now.
I am a neurodivergent-affirming trauma therapist specializing in queer identity. Healing from trauma is hard, but it doesn't have to be done alone. I can help you reconnect with yourself so that you can live the life you want to be living. I practice from a holistic perspective and incorporate your body, culture, and sociopolitical position into the therapeutic process. I believe that authentic and safe relationships are the best way to heal from trauma. I strive to build that genuine connection with you as we do the work of healing and growing beyond where you are now.
As your therapist, I'm here to offer compassionate support and thoughtful guidance—helping you navigate life’s challenges and move toward the goals that matter most to you. Whether you’re seeking clarity, healing, or self-discovery, I’m here to walk alongside you every step of the way. Every journey is unique, and I am committed to helping you uncover your best self. Let's work together to create a path toward lasting change and fulfillment. I look forward to partnering with you on this transformative journey.
As your therapist, I'm here to offer compassionate support and thoughtful guidance—helping you navigate life’s challenges and move toward the goals that matter most to you. Whether you’re seeking clarity, healing, or self-discovery, I’m here to walk alongside you every step of the way. Every journey is unique, and I am committed to helping you uncover your best self. Let's work together to create a path toward lasting change and fulfillment. I look forward to partnering with you on this transformative journey.
You’re high-achieving but exhausted—running on fumes from burnout, stress, or anxiety that won’t let up. Maybe you’re dealing with insomnia, chronic pain, other chronic health conditions, or the emotional weight of always being the "strong one." Maybe in this process, you’ve lost touch with your values, identity, and/or sense of self. You feel ready to stop just surviving and start feeling grounded again. If you resonate with this, therapy can help. Lets connect! I help adults navigate the mind-body impact of stress with science-backed, culturally-informed, compassionate care that supports clarity, resilience, and lasting change.
You’re high-achieving but exhausted—running on fumes from burnout, stress, or anxiety that won’t let up. Maybe you’re dealing with insomnia, chronic pain, other chronic health conditions, or the emotional weight of always being the "strong one." Maybe in this process, you’ve lost touch with your values, identity, and/or sense of self. You feel ready to stop just surviving and start feeling grounded again. If you resonate with this, therapy can help. Lets connect! I help adults navigate the mind-body impact of stress with science-backed, culturally-informed, compassionate care that supports clarity, resilience, and lasting change.
Melissa specializes in working with autistic and/or ADHD individuals and has experience providing support for a variety of concerns, including chronic illness, dissociative disorders, personality disorders, mood disorders, traumatic history, grief, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, OCD, relationship concerns, family conflict, and discrimination.
As an autistic person herself, Melissa is passionate about working with neurodivergent individuals and operates from a neuroaffirmative lens. Melissa prioritizes collaboration in the therapeutic process, believing that each person is the expert of their life–every person is different, with a unique set of lived experiences, identities, and perspectives, so she believes that treatment should be unique to each person, too. Treatment involves community and self-advocacy, incorporating intersectional cultural identities, supporting clients’ personal treatment goals, fostering self-compassion, and building community support.
Melissa specializes in working with autistic and/or ADHD individuals and has experience providing support for a variety of concerns, including chronic illness, dissociative disorders, personality disorders, mood disorders, traumatic history, grief, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, OCD, relationship concerns, family conflict, and discrimination.
As an autistic person herself, Melissa is passionate about working with neurodivergent individuals and operates from a neuroaffirmative lens. Melissa prioritizes collaboration in the therapeutic process, believing that each person is the expert of their life–every person is different, with a unique set of lived experiences, identities, and perspectives, so she believes that treatment should be unique to each person, too. Treatment involves community and self-advocacy, incorporating intersectional cultural identities, supporting clients’ personal treatment goals, fostering self-compassion, and building community support.
I work with individuals and couples and some of my specialties are anxiety, depression, affair recovery, chronic illness, and women's issues.
I work with both individuals and couples, providing a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space for growth and healing. My therapeutic approach integrates a range of evidence-based modalities, including Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
I work with individuals and couples and some of my specialties are anxiety, depression, affair recovery, chronic illness, and women's issues.
I work with both individuals and couples, providing a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space for growth and healing. My therapeutic approach integrates a range of evidence-based modalities, including Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
Maybe you’re navigating life with a chronic illness that few people truly understand.
My style is collaborative and organic. We’ll explore what’s important to you and move at your pace. I believe in setting goals together and checking in on them along the way.
Maybe you’re navigating life with a chronic illness that few people truly understand.
My style is collaborative and organic. We’ll explore what’s important to you and move at your pace. I believe in setting goals together and checking in on them along the way.
Most of my clients are overwhelmed in all areas: mind (anxiety, depression); body (emotional eating, chronic illness); and soul (finding your passion).
I have lived in a whirlwind of many interrelated issues—and the shame that goes with them—which is why I feel honored when clients invite me into their worlds. Depending on what will best suit each person, I often use a combination of therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR, attachment-based, existential, and/or hypnosis.
Most of my clients are overwhelmed in all areas: mind (anxiety, depression); body (emotional eating, chronic illness); and soul (finding your passion).
I have lived in a whirlwind of many interrelated issues—and the shame that goes with them—which is why I feel honored when clients invite me into their worlds. Depending on what will best suit each person, I often use a combination of therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR, attachment-based, existential, and/or hypnosis.
Now accepting new clients! At DHWC we believe that anyone has it within themselves to create change, our job is to give you the skills and empower you to do so. Dr. Durand is a Doctor of Behavioral Health and Licensed Clinical Social Worker with an extensive background in both outpatient and inpatient healthcare settings. In her many years of leadership experience, she has developed a passion for supervising and training up quality mental health professionals. Therefore, we offer several clinicians at our practice under her direct supervision with a range of skills and price ranges that can fit most patient needs.
Now accepting new clients! At DHWC we believe that anyone has it within themselves to create change, our job is to give you the skills and empower you to do so. Dr. Durand is a Doctor of Behavioral Health and Licensed Clinical Social Worker with an extensive background in both outpatient and inpatient healthcare settings. In her many years of leadership experience, she has developed a passion for supervising and training up quality mental health professionals. Therefore, we offer several clinicians at our practice under her direct supervision with a range of skills and price ranges that can fit most patient needs.
My "ideal" client is someone who values self-development and has a curious soul. The clients that work with me understand that I am not here to "fix" or "heal" them, rather I am here to walk along side them as they build a deeper awareness of their internal ecosystem while using the therapy relationship to build attunement and relational skills that are necessary for every healthy relationship. Clients that commit to the process of healing and awakening during our time together understand that working with me requires a willingness to do hard, deep, but gentle, work.
My "ideal" client is someone who values self-development and has a curious soul. The clients that work with me understand that I am not here to "fix" or "heal" them, rather I am here to walk along side them as they build a deeper awareness of their internal ecosystem while using the therapy relationship to build attunement and relational skills that are necessary for every healthy relationship. Clients that commit to the process of healing and awakening during our time together understand that working with me requires a willingness to do hard, deep, but gentle, work.
You may be successful in many areas of life, yet still feel overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, burnout, or the impact of past experiences. I work with adults who are tired of overthinking, feeling emotionally exhausted, or struggling to find balance despite their best efforts. Using evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and EMDR help clients process difficult experiences, reduce anxiety, and build practical skills so they can feel more present, confident, and connected in their daily lives.
You may be successful in many areas of life, yet still feel overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, burnout, or the impact of past experiences. I work with adults who are tired of overthinking, feeling emotionally exhausted, or struggling to find balance despite their best efforts. Using evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and EMDR help clients process difficult experiences, reduce anxiety, and build practical skills so they can feel more present, confident, and connected in their daily lives.
I am a licensed clinical neuropsychologist with more than 10 years of experience working with adults and older adults dealing with complex medical and psychiatric conditions.
I am a licensed clinical neuropsychologist with more than 10 years of experience working with adults and older adults dealing with complex medical and psychiatric conditions.
I work with adolescents and adults and specialize in working with anxiety, OCD, and chronic illness.
Are you someone who constantly feels on edge, overwhelmed by the pressure to be perfect, or paralyzed by the fear of making mistakes? Maybe you often find yourself stuck in cycles of worry, overthinking, or self-criticism? You envision a life that isn’t ruled by fear and doubt, but aren’t sure how to get there on your own. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, panic disorder, OCD and chronic health concerns and you don't have to do this alone.
I work with adolescents and adults and specialize in working with anxiety, OCD, and chronic illness.
Are you someone who constantly feels on edge, overwhelmed by the pressure to be perfect, or paralyzed by the fear of making mistakes? Maybe you often find yourself stuck in cycles of worry, overthinking, or self-criticism? You envision a life that isn’t ruled by fear and doubt, but aren’t sure how to get there on your own. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, panic disorder, OCD and chronic health concerns and you don't have to do this alone.
You are not alone. You may feel overwhelmed, lost, or uncertain in today's fast-moving world. Stress, anxiety, life transitions, ADHD, memory challenges, chronic pain, or enduring health concerns can make it hard to feel grounded. You want clarity, calm, and connection - to yourself, your relationships, and what matters most in your life.
I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ patients of all ages, people with chronic pain and health concerns, pregnant / postpartum individuals, and those navigating ADHD or cognitive challenges.
To schedule, go to my website and click schedule or leave a voicemail with the best time/day to call back
You are not alone. You may feel overwhelmed, lost, or uncertain in today's fast-moving world. Stress, anxiety, life transitions, ADHD, memory challenges, chronic pain, or enduring health concerns can make it hard to feel grounded. You want clarity, calm, and connection - to yourself, your relationships, and what matters most in your life.
I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ patients of all ages, people with chronic pain and health concerns, pregnant / postpartum individuals, and those navigating ADHD or cognitive challenges.
To schedule, go to my website and click schedule or leave a voicemail with the best time/day to call back
If you're questioning your beliefs, grieving the loss of a religious community, managing complex chronic illness, or struggling in relationships, therapy can help.
Have you ever felt like you've spent so much time surviving that you've lost touch with yourself in the process? Maybe you've been carrying painful experiences, inner turmoil, or health challenges that never seem to let up. You may feel disconnected from yourself, uncertain about your direction, or exhausted from trying to hold everything together. You don't have to navigate life alone. Healing begins with creating space to understand your experiences and reconnect with who you are beneath the weight of what you've been carrying. Therapy offers you an opportunity to explore patterns, strengthen self-understanding, and create change.
If you're questioning your beliefs, grieving the loss of a religious community, managing complex chronic illness, or struggling in relationships, therapy can help.
Have you ever felt like you've spent so much time surviving that you've lost touch with yourself in the process? Maybe you've been carrying painful experiences, inner turmoil, or health challenges that never seem to let up. You may feel disconnected from yourself, uncertain about your direction, or exhausted from trying to hold everything together. You don't have to navigate life alone. Healing begins with creating space to understand your experiences and reconnect with who you are beneath the weight of what you've been carrying. Therapy offers you an opportunity to explore patterns, strengthen self-understanding, and create change.
Are you struggling to manage a pattern of uncomfortable emotions that stem from a difficult life situation you were unable to resolve? You may feel stuck and not yet able to understand the root cause of these emotional challenges, how they are impacting you and your relationships, or how to move forward in your life. You may even feel betrayed by those who have tried to help you. You are ready for a full mind-body-soul transformation. You need someone who can give you patient guidance to help you navigate healing. You deserve empathic understanding as you become the most bad-ass version of yourself. Let me humbly help you.
Are you struggling to manage a pattern of uncomfortable emotions that stem from a difficult life situation you were unable to resolve? You may feel stuck and not yet able to understand the root cause of these emotional challenges, how they are impacting you and your relationships, or how to move forward in your life. You may even feel betrayed by those who have tried to help you. You are ready for a full mind-body-soul transformation. You need someone who can give you patient guidance to help you navigate healing. You deserve empathic understanding as you become the most bad-ass version of yourself. Let me humbly help you.
Serenity, Equanimity, Peace of Mind. Are these qualities sorely missing from your life? You are not alone. Most Westerners experience rushed living, lack of acceptance, anxious and depressed mood - what inevitably amounts to suffering. While pain is a universal experience, with practice suffering can become optional. But lack of skill, low motivation, and general haggardness of life prevent many from consistent self-care which can alleviate suffering. If this is your story, The Serenity Center was opened with you in mind. Reducing suffering to manageable levels is an achievable goal - and all you may need is a skillful guide.
Serenity, Equanimity, Peace of Mind. Are these qualities sorely missing from your life? You are not alone. Most Westerners experience rushed living, lack of acceptance, anxious and depressed mood - what inevitably amounts to suffering. While pain is a universal experience, with practice suffering can become optional. But lack of skill, low motivation, and general haggardness of life prevent many from consistent self-care which can alleviate suffering. If this is your story, The Serenity Center was opened with you in mind. Reducing suffering to manageable levels is an achievable goal - and all you may need is a skillful guide.
I'm also a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with a specialization in helping people navigate the emotional and practical realities of disability and chronic illness.
If I had to describe my style in a few words: real, warm, and no-nonsense. I believe you already hold most of what you need — therapy is just the space where we figure out how to access it. I'll be direct with you, I'll celebrate your strengths, and yes, I'll probably make you laugh at least once.
I'm also a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with a specialization in helping people navigate the emotional and practical realities of disability and chronic illness.
If I had to describe my style in a few words: real, warm, and no-nonsense. I believe you already hold most of what you need — therapy is just the space where we figure out how to access it. I'll be direct with you, I'll celebrate your strengths, and yes, I'll probably make you laugh at least once.
Whether facing the stress of life-cycle transitions (e.g., beginning a new career, moving to a new city), experiencing a loss of “spark” in your relationship, noticing breakdowns in communication with others, or navigating the psychological and biological impact of chronic illness, I am here to help you move forward with clarity and compassion.
As a marriage and family therapist, I am passionate about driving positive outcomes through an integrative approach that considers biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of wellbeing. I incorporate evidence-based, mind-body approaches such as Brainspotting to support deeper emotional processing and healing when words are not enough.
Whether facing the stress of life-cycle transitions (e.g., beginning a new career, moving to a new city), experiencing a loss of “spark” in your relationship, noticing breakdowns in communication with others, or navigating the psychological and biological impact of chronic illness, I am here to help you move forward with clarity and compassion.
As a marriage and family therapist, I am passionate about driving positive outcomes through an integrative approach that considers biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of wellbeing. I incorporate evidence-based, mind-body approaches such as Brainspotting to support deeper emotional processing and healing when words are not enough.
See more therapy options for Phoenix
Nearby Chronic Illness Therapists Searches for Phoenix
- Chandler
- Fountain Hills
- Gilbert
- Glendale
- Goodyear
- Litchfield Park
- Mesa
- Paradise Valley
- Peoria
- Scottsdale
- Sun City
- Tempe
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.