Chronic Illness Therapists in Oakland, CA
I believe building an authentic human relationship rooted in non-judgement, caring attention, and respect for your unique goals is the key to effective therapy. For me, humor is an essential tool for connection and helps soften the difficult and sometimes painful work of healing. I aim for a balance between deep, transformative reflection and practical changes that can make everyday life feel lighter.
I believe building an authentic human relationship rooted in non-judgement, caring attention, and respect for your unique goals is the key to effective therapy. For me, humor is an essential tool for connection and helps soften the difficult and sometimes painful work of healing. I aim for a balance between deep, transformative reflection and practical changes that can make everyday life feel lighter.
I was invited into this work through personal initiation: deep loss, recovery from chronic illness, parenthood, mediating divorced parents.
We live in a world that encourages us to ignore and override our experience. Therapy provides a space for deep self-inquiry where we can learn to become aware and accepting of all parts of ourselves. With curiosity and reflection, I want to support you to explore and understand your experience. When we explore what’s happening for us internally, our beliefs, and the unmet needs we carry, and when we can bring curiosity, care, and increased awareness, then new possibilities open up. We find ways to relate to ourselves and the world with more balance, ease, and belonging.
I was invited into this work through personal initiation: deep loss, recovery from chronic illness, parenthood, mediating divorced parents.
We live in a world that encourages us to ignore and override our experience. Therapy provides a space for deep self-inquiry where we can learn to become aware and accepting of all parts of ourselves. With curiosity and reflection, I want to support you to explore and understand your experience. When we explore what’s happening for us internally, our beliefs, and the unmet needs we carry, and when we can bring curiosity, care, and increased awareness, then new possibilities open up. We find ways to relate to ourselves and the world with more balance, ease, and belonging.
Folks come to therapy for a variety of reasons that all boil down to change, whether they're struggling to handle it or make it. Many of my clients' lives don't align with societal norms, either intentionally coloring outside the lines or struggling to fit in. Folks may find themselves overwhelmed, dealing with big emotions, the effects of complex or single-event trauma, complex medical issues, or chronic pain. I am passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ - including trans kids and their families, disabled, and neurodiverse populations. I like to work with individuals, couples, polycules, and families of all shapes and sizes.
Folks come to therapy for a variety of reasons that all boil down to change, whether they're struggling to handle it or make it. Many of my clients' lives don't align with societal norms, either intentionally coloring outside the lines or struggling to fit in. Folks may find themselves overwhelmed, dealing with big emotions, the effects of complex or single-event trauma, complex medical issues, or chronic pain. I am passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ - including trans kids and their families, disabled, and neurodiverse populations. I like to work with individuals, couples, polycules, and families of all shapes and sizes.
You’re a thoughtful adult or student feeling alone, overwhelmed, and stuck in cycles of anxiety, low mood, or old patterns from past wounds. You want clarity, relief, and a compassionate therapist who helps you start where you are. I partner with you to find your voice, understand triggers, and build practical tools to calm the nervous system, shift habits, and repair relationships. Together we’ll turn insight into action so you feel more confident, connected, and ready to create change that lasts.
You’re a thoughtful adult or student feeling alone, overwhelmed, and stuck in cycles of anxiety, low mood, or old patterns from past wounds. You want clarity, relief, and a compassionate therapist who helps you start where you are. I partner with you to find your voice, understand triggers, and build practical tools to calm the nervous system, shift habits, and repair relationships. Together we’ll turn insight into action so you feel more confident, connected, and ready to create change that lasts.
As either a patient or caregiver, coping with illness, injury, disability, or medical trauma can be quite the challenge. It forever affects how we view ourselves, our bodies, our relationships, and how our lives were “supposed” to go. These experiences are also impacted by everything else we have been through in our lives. Each of us will inevitably experience being a care-giver or a care-recipient, and specialized therapeutic support can help you navigate the specific difficulties that illness or any health issues present. At any age, stage, or severity of illness or injury, cultivating resilience is possible. You aren't alone.
As either a patient or caregiver, coping with illness, injury, disability, or medical trauma can be quite the challenge. It forever affects how we view ourselves, our bodies, our relationships, and how our lives were “supposed” to go. These experiences are also impacted by everything else we have been through in our lives. Each of us will inevitably experience being a care-giver or a care-recipient, and specialized therapeutic support can help you navigate the specific difficulties that illness or any health issues present. At any age, stage, or severity of illness or injury, cultivating resilience is possible. You aren't alone.
I consider it a privilege to work with you to explore aspects of your life experience which have diminished your satisfaction with life or otherwise left you feeling lost or alone.
Challenges around loss, aging, illness, trauma or relationships can feel too frightening to tackle alone. As a seasoned and compassionate psychotherapist, I can help you bear and work with what may feel unbearable.
Together, we will create a protected space that fosters the trust, aliveness and self-expression that are essential to growth and success in love and work, where you can ultimately reclaim your life and joie-de-vivre.
I consider it a privilege to work with you to explore aspects of your life experience which have diminished your satisfaction with life or otherwise left you feeling lost or alone.
Challenges around loss, aging, illness, trauma or relationships can feel too frightening to tackle alone. As a seasoned and compassionate psychotherapist, I can help you bear and work with what may feel unbearable.
Together, we will create a protected space that fosters the trust, aliveness and self-expression that are essential to growth and success in love and work, where you can ultimately reclaim your life and joie-de-vivre.
Hi, I'm Reid. I know that feeling seen, understood, and able to find connection and community can be an incredibly powerful experience — one that informs the stories we tell about others, as much as ourselves. When we are in pain and feel alienated from others, though, it can be especially difficult to imagine alternatives. I welcome all of the sensitive, weird, and messy parts that you hold and will walk with you through the wilds of your life to find the path you're searching for.
Hi, I'm Reid. I know that feeling seen, understood, and able to find connection and community can be an incredibly powerful experience — one that informs the stories we tell about others, as much as ourselves. When we are in pain and feel alienated from others, though, it can be especially difficult to imagine alternatives. I welcome all of the sensitive, weird, and messy parts that you hold and will walk with you through the wilds of your life to find the path you're searching for.
I work with people dealing with depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief, and chronic illness.
I help patients gain confidence, embrace compassion, find solutions, and trust their decisions. Active collaboration and gentle self-reflection are essential aspects of my work. My psycho-dynamic approach incorporates behavioral and cognitive techniques.
I work with people dealing with depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief, and chronic illness.
I help patients gain confidence, embrace compassion, find solutions, and trust their decisions. Active collaboration and gentle self-reflection are essential aspects of my work. My psycho-dynamic approach incorporates behavioral and cognitive techniques.
Welcome! I work with people across many areas, but those who seek me out tend to be queer/LGBTQIAA2+, neurodivergent in some way, trans/non-binary/gender non-conforming, chronically or acutely ill, disabled, fat-identified and/or working on an empowered relationship with their body, polyamorous, kinky, sex workers, and non-traditional family structures. I'll be with you every step of the way as you move from shame to self-compassion, and work through the expression of anger, sadness, and grief around what you've lost, or what you never got to have.
Welcome! I work with people across many areas, but those who seek me out tend to be queer/LGBTQIAA2+, neurodivergent in some way, trans/non-binary/gender non-conforming, chronically or acutely ill, disabled, fat-identified and/or working on an empowered relationship with their body, polyamorous, kinky, sex workers, and non-traditional family structures. I'll be with you every step of the way as you move from shame to self-compassion, and work through the expression of anger, sadness, and grief around what you've lost, or what you never got to have.
With warmth, curiosity, and practicality, I will partner with you in our sessions to discover what healing and change look like for you. I'll help you change patterns, not just treat symptoms. If you need support better managing your anxiety, moving through a big transition with more ease, recovering from a traumatic event, navigating the loss of a loved one, or adjusting to a new or ongoing disability or medical condition, you don't have to do this alone. Together, we can figure out the stuck places, help identify your goals, and equip you with the tools to chart your path forward.
With warmth, curiosity, and practicality, I will partner with you in our sessions to discover what healing and change look like for you. I'll help you change patterns, not just treat symptoms. If you need support better managing your anxiety, moving through a big transition with more ease, recovering from a traumatic event, navigating the loss of a loved one, or adjusting to a new or ongoing disability or medical condition, you don't have to do this alone. Together, we can figure out the stuck places, help identify your goals, and equip you with the tools to chart your path forward.
I also hold vast experience supporting individuals experiencing PTSD, chronic illness, chronic pain, eating disorders and those struggling with a complicated relationship with food.
I am here to be present with you as you explore and process how the vast injustices in the world may be affecting your internal states. Together we can examine the question: Is there something “wrong” with me as an individual, or do we live in an inequitable society that causes emotional and often generational trauma? Our trauma can lead to behaviors that do not ultimately serve us or align with our core values—but there is room to heal. Your ancestral roots, intersecting identities, and cultural practices are an honor for me to make space for in our work together.
I also hold vast experience supporting individuals experiencing PTSD, chronic illness, chronic pain, eating disorders and those struggling with a complicated relationship with food.
I am here to be present with you as you explore and process how the vast injustices in the world may be affecting your internal states. Together we can examine the question: Is there something “wrong” with me as an individual, or do we live in an inequitable society that causes emotional and often generational trauma? Our trauma can lead to behaviors that do not ultimately serve us or align with our core values—but there is room to heal. Your ancestral roots, intersecting identities, and cultural practices are an honor for me to make space for in our work together.
I work with seekers; curious souls navigating the winding path back to health after trauma, chronic illness, grief, or loss.
As a somatic psychotherapist, I support clients healing from trauma, illness, loss, and life transitions. I blend EMDR, Parts Work, Somatic and Transpersonal therapies in a trauma-informed, socially conscious space. Together, we honor the body’s deep wisdom and reclaim your innate capacity to heal, thrive, and return to balance.
I work with seekers; curious souls navigating the winding path back to health after trauma, chronic illness, grief, or loss.
As a somatic psychotherapist, I support clients healing from trauma, illness, loss, and life transitions. I blend EMDR, Parts Work, Somatic and Transpersonal therapies in a trauma-informed, socially conscious space. Together, we honor the body’s deep wisdom and reclaim your innate capacity to heal, thrive, and return to balance.
You are feeling overwhelmed by life and are curious about how you can create a sense of calm and safety in your body and mind. You are seeking a professional that will accompany you and empower healing from within.
You are feeling overwhelmed by life and are curious about how you can create a sense of calm and safety in your body and mind. You are seeking a professional that will accompany you and empower healing from within.
Gillian E Gillette
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT, APCC
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Struggling with chronic illness issues and caretaking are under stress?
I relate to people by listening empathically and paying attention to details. I can say the difficult truths as well as be there for you when you come to your truth. Building trust in the therapy experience is my highest priority. I am a strength and trauma-informed therapist and I love working with people needing hope as they make changes to thrive.
Struggling with chronic illness issues and caretaking are under stress?
I relate to people by listening empathically and paying attention to details. I can say the difficult truths as well as be there for you when you come to your truth. Building trust in the therapy experience is my highest priority. I am a strength and trauma-informed therapist and I love working with people needing hope as they make changes to thrive.
Axis Mundi would like to present Marlee Breunig. Marlee is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and is supervised weekly by Natalie Webster, LMFT 126065, who works with Marlee to help develop clinical skills and ensure that she provides quality care. - Your voice and way of walking in the world matters. I see my role as a therapist as providing a space where your inner knowing is encouraged and held with warmth and curiosity. Your vulnerabilities, grief, anxieties, and all parts of you are welcome.
Axis Mundi would like to present Marlee Breunig. Marlee is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and is supervised weekly by Natalie Webster, LMFT 126065, who works with Marlee to help develop clinical skills and ensure that she provides quality care. - Your voice and way of walking in the world matters. I see my role as a therapist as providing a space where your inner knowing is encouraged and held with warmth and curiosity. Your vulnerabilities, grief, anxieties, and all parts of you are welcome.
Things haven’t felt right for a while. You’ve been pushing through—doing what’s expected—but inside, it’s heavy. Maybe you’re dealing with trauma or anxiety that won’t let up. Or you're burned out from relationships, stuck in self-doubt, or wondering why the same patterns keep repeating. You might not even know what you need—just that you can’t keep carrying this alone. That’s where therapy can begin: not with having all the answers, but with being honest about what hurts. From there, real change is possible.
Things haven’t felt right for a while. You’ve been pushing through—doing what’s expected—but inside, it’s heavy. Maybe you’re dealing with trauma or anxiety that won’t let up. Or you're burned out from relationships, stuck in self-doubt, or wondering why the same patterns keep repeating. You might not even know what you need—just that you can’t keep carrying this alone. That’s where therapy can begin: not with having all the answers, but with being honest about what hurts. From there, real change is possible.
I have experience treating depression, anxiety, chronic illness/pain, relationship issues, life transitions, aging, and trauma.
It is difficult to know where to begin. You notice your relationships aren't satisfying, but don't know why or what to do. Most days leave you feeling like something is missing but you aren't quite sure what it is or where to begin. You are doing everything right but still feel a bit lost, a bit empty, a bit more alone. You may even think there is something wrong with you, and you need to be fixed. There is nothing wrong with you. Working with me will help you realize this truth. Then we can work together to uncover what has always been there. Waiting. Your messy and perfect Self.
I have experience treating depression, anxiety, chronic illness/pain, relationship issues, life transitions, aging, and trauma.
It is difficult to know where to begin. You notice your relationships aren't satisfying, but don't know why or what to do. Most days leave you feeling like something is missing but you aren't quite sure what it is or where to begin. You are doing everything right but still feel a bit lost, a bit empty, a bit more alone. You may even think there is something wrong with you, and you need to be fixed. There is nothing wrong with you. Working with me will help you realize this truth. Then we can work together to uncover what has always been there. Waiting. Your messy and perfect Self.
My clients are passionate, sensitive, often highly creative people searching for a place where their full self can be witnessed, celebrated, and supported. Sometimes this includes mourning for what was not possible or the intensity of previous experiences they were put through and what that has cost them. My clients tend to struggle with a variety of complex issues. They often come from families with a legacy of unprocessed intergenerational trauma, which can take many forms. Ultimately, clients who seek me are looking for a place to try out new ways of being in the world. Ways that will better support their deepest values.
My clients are passionate, sensitive, often highly creative people searching for a place where their full self can be witnessed, celebrated, and supported. Sometimes this includes mourning for what was not possible or the intensity of previous experiences they were put through and what that has cost them. My clients tend to struggle with a variety of complex issues. They often come from families with a legacy of unprocessed intergenerational trauma, which can take many forms. Ultimately, clients who seek me are looking for a place to try out new ways of being in the world. Ways that will better support their deepest values.
Evening and weekend appointments are available! If you are looking for help to rediscover, remember, and grow into the person you wish to be and need support and help to get there, I would feel privileged to be on that journey with you. I focus on honoring your knowledge and experiences in the hope of creating an empowering environment where you benefit from the freedom to discover your strengths, resiliencies, and courage. I consider the many ways you have come to know and understand yourself and your relationships to others, taking into account your culture, history, and identity.
Evening and weekend appointments are available! If you are looking for help to rediscover, remember, and grow into the person you wish to be and need support and help to get there, I would feel privileged to be on that journey with you. I focus on honoring your knowledge and experiences in the hope of creating an empowering environment where you benefit from the freedom to discover your strengths, resiliencies, and courage. I consider the many ways you have come to know and understand yourself and your relationships to others, taking into account your culture, history, and identity.
I provide affirming, anti-oppressive therapy for LGBTQIA+ folks and people with chronic illnesses. I also often support undergraduate and graduate students. We might work well together if you are seeking guidance around some of the following topics: managing stress, navigating interpersonal or sociopolitical conflict, building meaningful relationships, exploring gender and sexuality, coping with pain and fatigue, adjusting to new symptoms or diagnoses, embracing neurodiversity, and celebrating your most authentic self. My intention is to help you feel more empowered and at ease in your daily life.
I provide affirming, anti-oppressive therapy for LGBTQIA+ folks and people with chronic illnesses. I also often support undergraduate and graduate students. We might work well together if you are seeking guidance around some of the following topics: managing stress, navigating interpersonal or sociopolitical conflict, building meaningful relationships, exploring gender and sexuality, coping with pain and fatigue, adjusting to new symptoms or diagnoses, embracing neurodiversity, and celebrating your most authentic self. My intention is to help you feel more empowered and at ease in your daily life.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby Chronic Illness Therapists Searches for Oakland
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- El Cerrito
- Emeryville
- Kensington
- Lafayette
- Moraga
- Orinda
- Piedmont
- San Leandro
- San Lorenzo
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.