Chronic Illness Therapists in Oakland, CA
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.
Kristin Fialko
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94606 (Online Only)
We often find ourselves and bodies, on the path towards health after overwhelming experiences (birth, chronic illness), trauma, grief or loss. Re-igniting our inner-fire and natural emotional balance can understandably be a challenge. Trauma-informed somatic psychotherapy can help! I take my role as a therapist, one who supports the client on their journey, as a facilitator of a sacred collaboration. I conduct therapy with an intention to process and move trauma (anxiety, depression and grief accompanying it) in order to restore balance between the mind, body, and spirit and reignite the internal fire.
We often find ourselves and bodies, on the path towards health after overwhelming experiences (birth, chronic illness), trauma, grief or loss. Re-igniting our inner-fire and natural emotional balance can understandably be a challenge. Trauma-informed somatic psychotherapy can help! I take my role as a therapist, one who supports the client on their journey, as a facilitator of a sacred collaboration. I conduct therapy with an intention to process and move trauma (anxiety, depression and grief accompanying it) in order to restore balance between the mind, body, and spirit and reignite the internal fire.
Dr. Anna Blanken (she/her) is a licensed psychologist in California providing telemental health. Her expertise includes aging, chronic illness, and neurological disorders. She enjoys working with diverse clients and specializes in working with people who want to better understand how their mental and physical health are connected. Dr. Blanken works with Dr. Valen in the Solace Clinic.
Dr. Anna Blanken (she/her) is a licensed psychologist in California providing telemental health. Her expertise includes aging, chronic illness, and neurological disorders. She enjoys working with diverse clients and specializes in working with people who want to better understand how their mental and physical health are connected. Dr. Blanken works with Dr. Valen in the Solace Clinic.
Cathy Swift Nagel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2001, I am deeply committed to supporting the well-being of each client, providing culturally competent services and helping clients improve their quality of life. I see older and disabled adults, often dealing with chronic illness or a new diagnosis. I have an extensive history working in medical settings and am also available to assist caregivers with navigating the health care system. I believe that positive change is possible at any age and at any juncture in a person's life. I believe you can have a more fulfilling life, and that I can help you.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2001, I am deeply committed to supporting the well-being of each client, providing culturally competent services and helping clients improve their quality of life. I see older and disabled adults, often dealing with chronic illness or a new diagnosis. I have an extensive history working in medical settings and am also available to assist caregivers with navigating the health care system. I believe that positive change is possible at any age and at any juncture in a person's life. I believe you can have a more fulfilling life, and that I can help you.
Gillian E Gillette
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Traumas often affect our day-to-day ways of coping and I don't believe that we should have to stay stuck in those ways of living. I am trained in EMDR by an EMDRIA-certified Basic Trainer and can use this modality of healing for many issues. Struggling with chronic illness issues and caretaking are under stress? Feeling depression and anxiety around a diagnosis or experiencing anticipatory grief? Are you an individual or couple seeking a (Spanish/English) bilingual therapist to understand and explore cross-cultural coupledom? You may be a new parent who needs help and support as you navigate your new family configuration.
Traumas often affect our day-to-day ways of coping and I don't believe that we should have to stay stuck in those ways of living. I am trained in EMDR by an EMDRIA-certified Basic Trainer and can use this modality of healing for many issues. Struggling with chronic illness issues and caretaking are under stress? Feeling depression and anxiety around a diagnosis or experiencing anticipatory grief? Are you an individual or couple seeking a (Spanish/English) bilingual therapist to understand and explore cross-cultural coupledom? You may be a new parent who needs help and support as you navigate your new family configuration.
Tracy Shapiro
Associate Clinical Social Worker, MSW, ASW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
Some areas where I specialize are working with artists and with people seeking support with anxiety, depression, major life transitions, relationship challenges, chronic illness/pain, and struggles with food and body.
One of the more meaningful things we can do for ourselves and each other is get to know who we are. Engaging this process with a trusted other can be especially helpful for making contact with vulnerabilities and strengths that may be outside of our conscious awareness. By moving towards what has been pushed away and expanding how we think and feel, we can access new freedoms, learn to struggle better, and live more vital and engaged lives for the time we have.
Some areas where I specialize are working with artists and with people seeking support with anxiety, depression, major life transitions, relationship challenges, chronic illness/pain, and struggles with food and body.
One of the more meaningful things we can do for ourselves and each other is get to know who we are. Engaging this process with a trusted other can be especially helpful for making contact with vulnerabilities and strengths that may be outside of our conscious awareness. By moving towards what has been pushed away and expanding how we think and feel, we can access new freedoms, learn to struggle better, and live more vital and engaged lives for the time we have.
Kamla Fennimore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with individuals dealing with the complexities of chronic illness, bereavement, and faith transitions.
Feeling stuck in the messy middle? Finding yourself on an unexpected life path? Do you feel misunderstood, judged, or alone in your suffering? Looking for insight and growth? Over the last 20 years I have worked with a variety of clients who have diverse life experiences and various intersecting identities. I have a warm, supportive, empathetic and collaborative approach.
I specialize in working with individuals dealing with the complexities of chronic illness, bereavement, and faith transitions.
Feeling stuck in the messy middle? Finding yourself on an unexpected life path? Do you feel misunderstood, judged, or alone in your suffering? Looking for insight and growth? Over the last 20 years I have worked with a variety of clients who have diverse life experiences and various intersecting identities. I have a warm, supportive, empathetic and collaborative approach.
I work with individuals facing depression, chronic illness, anxiety, guilt, grief/loss, or who have endured physical, emotional or spiritual trauma.
My practice is rooted in the belief that there is power in knowing and telling your own story. Who are you? Where did you come from? What's important to you? Let's work together to untangle your story, identify your strengths, goals, passions, and barriers; and make you the author of what comes next. I work with people who want to make positive changes, but feel paralyzed by stress, fear, indecision, or old habits. I can also help you learn concrete strategies for managing uncomfortable thoughts, emotions, transitions, health conditions or problematic relationships.
I work with individuals facing depression, chronic illness, anxiety, guilt, grief/loss, or who have endured physical, emotional or spiritual trauma.
My practice is rooted in the belief that there is power in knowing and telling your own story. Who are you? Where did you come from? What's important to you? Let's work together to untangle your story, identify your strengths, goals, passions, and barriers; and make you the author of what comes next. I work with people who want to make positive changes, but feel paralyzed by stress, fear, indecision, or old habits. I can also help you learn concrete strategies for managing uncomfortable thoughts, emotions, transitions, health conditions or problematic relationships.
Feeling anxious or depressed, living with a chronic illness, going through a life transition or experiencing other challenges? As a licensed psychologist with 30+ years’ experience, I help people navigate difficult times with openness, curiosity and compassion. Together we can identify your particular needs and forge a path to best meet them. You may be struggling with difficulties from the past. You may want to transform repetitive thought and behavior patterns that affect your relationships and your job success. In our work, you can develop inner resources and skills to face life's challenges with greater freedom and resilience.
Feeling anxious or depressed, living with a chronic illness, going through a life transition or experiencing other challenges? As a licensed psychologist with 30+ years’ experience, I help people navigate difficult times with openness, curiosity and compassion. Together we can identify your particular needs and forge a path to best meet them. You may be struggling with difficulties from the past. You may want to transform repetitive thought and behavior patterns that affect your relationships and your job success. In our work, you can develop inner resources and skills to face life's challenges with greater freedom and resilience.
Cassandra Falby
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
I appreciate the opportunity to work with BIPOC, LGBTQIA folks, adult children of immigrants, those living with a chronic illness (cancer, HIV, lupus, MS, fibromyalgia), and neurodivergent people.
Therapy is a time that's about YOU! It's a non-judgmental space where you can explore issues that you may have identified or you're not quite sure why you feel stuck. You might be dealing with anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, ancestral trauma, or other things you just can't seem to resolve. You might have difficulty with personal boundaries or be experiencing repeated relationship conflicts. If you could have a regular place to address the things that burden you, imagine how different life could be?
I appreciate the opportunity to work with BIPOC, LGBTQIA folks, adult children of immigrants, those living with a chronic illness (cancer, HIV, lupus, MS, fibromyalgia), and neurodivergent people.
Therapy is a time that's about YOU! It's a non-judgmental space where you can explore issues that you may have identified or you're not quite sure why you feel stuck. You might be dealing with anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, ancestral trauma, or other things you just can't seem to resolve. You might have difficulty with personal boundaries or be experiencing repeated relationship conflicts. If you could have a regular place to address the things that burden you, imagine how different life could be?
The current pandemic, environmental conditions, and political situation are overwhelming. Psychotherapy is helpful and transformative in dealing with the challenges that affect our social interactions and emotional well-being. I work with people dealing with depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief, and chronic illness. We set goals to redefine personal and professional directions.
The current pandemic, environmental conditions, and political situation are overwhelming. Psychotherapy is helpful and transformative in dealing with the challenges that affect our social interactions and emotional well-being. I work with people dealing with depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief, and chronic illness. We set goals to redefine personal and professional directions.
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I support folks in navigating anxiety, depression, grief, chronic illness, and life transitions, including divorce, identity exploration, and responding to the impacts of discrimination.
The single most consistent predictor of success in therapy is the relationship between therapist and client. I prioritize creating a trusting relationship. My approach is collaborative, relational, and interactive. I balance listening deeply with gently challenging clients to make meaningful change. I am not a therapist who sits back silently. I also do not presume that any given technique or my own experience hold all the answers in our journey together. Rather, I draw on evidence-based, relational practices, more than a decade of clinical practice, and your lived experience, cultural and personal practices, beliefs, and values.
I support folks in navigating anxiety, depression, grief, chronic illness, and life transitions, including divorce, identity exploration, and responding to the impacts of discrimination.
The single most consistent predictor of success in therapy is the relationship between therapist and client. I prioritize creating a trusting relationship. My approach is collaborative, relational, and interactive. I balance listening deeply with gently challenging clients to make meaningful change. I am not a therapist who sits back silently. I also do not presume that any given technique or my own experience hold all the answers in our journey together. Rather, I draw on evidence-based, relational practices, more than a decade of clinical practice, and your lived experience, cultural and personal practices, beliefs, and values.
Mark David Hayman-Martinez
Marriage & Family Therapist, RN, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
I was raised in a wonderful large family, where both chronic illness and disabilities were part of daily life, I developed a strong desire to advocate and support.
My practice is focused on people with depression responses, anxieties and difficult adjustments to their health or perceived health. As an RN, AND a psychotherapist, I am also very experienced with family members adjusting to a new major diagnosis in a child or other family member. The people that I help the most are motivated to feel more hopeful about their relationship with health including their relationships with their body and the health care community. If you feel overwhelmed or hopeless, please consider reaching out. I also have a special place in my heart for people working on nutrition and weight control.
I was raised in a wonderful large family, where both chronic illness and disabilities were part of daily life, I developed a strong desire to advocate and support.
My practice is focused on people with depression responses, anxieties and difficult adjustments to their health or perceived health. As an RN, AND a psychotherapist, I am also very experienced with family members adjusting to a new major diagnosis in a child or other family member. The people that I help the most are motivated to feel more hopeful about their relationship with health including their relationships with their body and the health care community. If you feel overwhelmed or hopeless, please consider reaching out. I also have a special place in my heart for people working on nutrition and weight control.
We all want the same things. To be understood, recognized, treated with kindness and respect. To feel like we belong. We share the same path to growth through self-effort in overcoming challenges in our life’s journey. Are you mastering the game of life? You are more powerful than your past or stories. Truth be told, “life is simply what you create it to mean.” Imagine yourself as the eagle that soars up into the sky with Wisdom as a compass. I can help you with self-esteem, family, career, trauma, grief, chronic illness, depression, anxiety, womens’ empowerment, life transitions, relationships, death/dying, and pet loss.
We all want the same things. To be understood, recognized, treated with kindness and respect. To feel like we belong. We share the same path to growth through self-effort in overcoming challenges in our life’s journey. Are you mastering the game of life? You are more powerful than your past or stories. Truth be told, “life is simply what you create it to mean.” Imagine yourself as the eagle that soars up into the sky with Wisdom as a compass. I can help you with self-esteem, family, career, trauma, grief, chronic illness, depression, anxiety, womens’ empowerment, life transitions, relationships, death/dying, and pet loss.
Emily Crubaugh
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
I was invited into this work through personal initiation: deep loss, recovery from chronic illness, parenthood and long-term partnership.
We live in a world that encourages us to ignore, override, and forget our experience. Therapy provides a space for deep self-inquiry where we can learn to become aware and accepting of all parts of ourselves. It is work that we cannot do alone. 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 and long-term partnership.
We live in a world that encourages us to ignore, override, and forget our experience. Therapy provides a space for deep self-inquiry where we can learn to become aware and accepting of all parts of ourselves. It is work that we cannot do alone. 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.
Neda Nguyen Baraghani
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
I am passionate about working with those who struggle with relationships and boundary setting, and clients who struggle with balancing differing sets of expectations due to cultural, physical, or mental factors. I also work with couples from differing backgrounds to deepen mutual understanding and couples struggling through a difficult phase in their relationship looking to increase communication and understanding. I work well with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, immigrant and first and second generation individuals and families, mixed race or multicultural individuals, and those who are struggling with chronic illness.
I am passionate about working with those who struggle with relationships and boundary setting, and clients who struggle with balancing differing sets of expectations due to cultural, physical, or mental factors. I also work with couples from differing backgrounds to deepen mutual understanding and couples struggling through a difficult phase in their relationship looking to increase communication and understanding. I work well with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, immigrant and first and second generation individuals and families, mixed race or multicultural individuals, and those who are struggling with chronic illness.
I welcome themes related to belonging, grief and loss, queer and trans community dynamics, non-monogamy, BDSM/kink, chronic illness and disability, and loneliness/isolation.
As a therapist with a focus on developmental trauma and working with queer/trans adults and adolescents, I believe that early life experiences and ongoing structural contexts immensely inform our relationship to ourselves and each other. I hold this framework alongside a background in somatic psychotherapy, which considers the ways our bodies and nervous systems relate to our emotions and experiences. There is no one way to relate to the past, embody our feelings, or find healing. In therapy, we find a way for you together. My role is to hold consistent curiosity, rigor, and care throughout the process of your own self-discovery.
I welcome themes related to belonging, grief and loss, queer and trans community dynamics, non-monogamy, BDSM/kink, chronic illness and disability, and loneliness/isolation.
As a therapist with a focus on developmental trauma and working with queer/trans adults and adolescents, I believe that early life experiences and ongoing structural contexts immensely inform our relationship to ourselves and each other. I hold this framework alongside a background in somatic psychotherapy, which considers the ways our bodies and nervous systems relate to our emotions and experiences. There is no one way to relate to the past, embody our feelings, or find healing. In therapy, we find a way for you together. My role is to hold consistent curiosity, rigor, and care throughout the process of your own self-discovery.
Hello! My name is Shelley-Anne Walker, LCSW, CCTP II, CAGCS. I work with adults on issues around identity loss in relationships, Life Transitions, Social Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Chronic Illness and Anxiety and a variety of other concerns. I am comfortable with working with diverse racial groups and adults. I work with clients around Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Depression, Life Transitions, Women issues and Relationship Dynamics. I foster a supportive and non-judgmental environment, guiding clients with empathy and active listening to explore their thoughts and emotions. Together, we work towards personal growth and positive change.
Hello! My name is Shelley-Anne Walker, LCSW, CCTP II, CAGCS. I work with adults on issues around identity loss in relationships, Life Transitions, Social Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Chronic Illness and Anxiety and a variety of other concerns. I am comfortable with working with diverse racial groups and adults. I work with clients around Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Depression, Life Transitions, Women issues and Relationship Dynamics. I foster a supportive and non-judgmental environment, guiding clients with empathy and active listening to explore their thoughts and emotions. Together, we work towards personal growth and positive change.
My counseling experience includes co-occurring disorders, substance use, emotional regulation, depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and interpersonal difficulties.
I have over 20 years of experience working with adults, children, adolescents, and couples in a variety of settings. My approach involves warmth, honesty, insight, compassion, and humor. My philosophy is grounded in the core Humanistic principles of genuineness, empathy, and respect. Through my work, I have helped people from diverse backgrounds achieve improved health and move toward greater satisfaction in their lives and in themselves. I encourage individuals to tap into their own inherent strengths to find new, and more constructive, ways of navigating life's problems.
My counseling experience includes co-occurring disorders, substance use, emotional regulation, depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and interpersonal difficulties.
I have over 20 years of experience working with adults, children, adolescents, and couples in a variety of settings. My approach involves warmth, honesty, insight, compassion, and humor. My philosophy is grounded in the core Humanistic principles of genuineness, empathy, and respect. Through my work, I have helped people from diverse backgrounds achieve improved health and move toward greater satisfaction in their lives and in themselves. I encourage individuals to tap into their own inherent strengths to find new, and more constructive, ways of navigating life's problems.
Clinical Hypnosis of Joseph R Giove
Clinical Hypnotherapist, CCht
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94622
As a biomedical engineer and clinical hypnotist, I have developed a unique approach to mind-body wellness and performance optimization. For over 30 years I have helped people suffering from stress, anxiety, insomnia, addiction, panic, fears, phobias, chronic illness, allergies, weight loss and more.
As a biomedical engineer and clinical hypnotist, I have developed a unique approach to mind-body wellness and performance optimization. For over 30 years I have helped people suffering from stress, anxiety, insomnia, addiction, panic, fears, phobias, chronic illness, allergies, weight loss and more.
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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.