Chronic Illness Therapists in San Diego, CA
Are you just going through the motions of life instead of thriving with connection, purpose, and meaning? Let me partner with you to become more present to yourself and others, and move towards creating a fulfilling life that makes you feel alive again. We will clear the obstacles in your way so you can be true to your authentic self.
Are you just going through the motions of life instead of thriving with connection, purpose, and meaning? Let me partner with you to become more present to yourself and others, and move towards creating a fulfilling life that makes you feel alive again. We will clear the obstacles in your way so you can be true to your authentic self.
Whether you are in mourning, facing difficulties of neurodivergence, struggling with a chronic illness, experiencing systemic issues as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, or facing constant change as a military family member, it can be daunting to confront these challenges on your own.
I employ a person-centered approach, grounding my practice in the belief that you are the expert in your own life. This method fosters a supportive environment that encourages self-exploration and personal growth, helping you navigate your unique experiences and challenges.
Whether you are in mourning, facing difficulties of neurodivergence, struggling with a chronic illness, experiencing systemic issues as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, or facing constant change as a military family member, it can be daunting to confront these challenges on your own.
I employ a person-centered approach, grounding my practice in the belief that you are the expert in your own life. This method fosters a supportive environment that encourages self-exploration and personal growth, helping you navigate your unique experiences and challenges.
Life has a way of handing us what feels like more than we can bear at times, and we can find ourselves stuck when our resources are thin and our tools seem inadequate. This is where I thrive – helping my clients get in touch with their strengths, build confidence and skills to get the life they want, all while exploring where they learned the unhelpful patterns to begin with. My goal is to help my clients learn to be defined not by their current or past circumstances, thoughts or feelings, but by the choices they commit to. My clients report they know themselves better and are more confident in their ability to handle stressors.
Life has a way of handing us what feels like more than we can bear at times, and we can find ourselves stuck when our resources are thin and our tools seem inadequate. This is where I thrive – helping my clients get in touch with their strengths, build confidence and skills to get the life they want, all while exploring where they learned the unhelpful patterns to begin with. My goal is to help my clients learn to be defined not by their current or past circumstances, thoughts or feelings, but by the choices they commit to. My clients report they know themselves better and are more confident in their ability to handle stressors.
I work with women whose lives have been profoundly changed by chronic illness, helping them navigate grief, identity, relationships, purpose, and an uncertain future.
This is therapy that goes beyond talk. Using IFS, EMDR, and somatic approaches, we work with the deeper patterns, wounds, and beliefs behind anxiety, depression, and trauma—not just the symptoms. For chronic illness, I also integrate rehabilitation counseling, including grief, identity, pacing, energy, work, and adapting to change. Faith can be integrated.
I work with women whose lives have been profoundly changed by chronic illness, helping them navigate grief, identity, relationships, purpose, and an uncertain future.
This is therapy that goes beyond talk. Using IFS, EMDR, and somatic approaches, we work with the deeper patterns, wounds, and beliefs behind anxiety, depression, and trauma—not just the symptoms. For chronic illness, I also integrate rehabilitation counseling, including grief, identity, pacing, energy, work, and adapting to change. Faith can be integrated.
My clinical interests include anxiety, OCD, perinatal mental health, grief, adjustment to chronic illness or change in physical functioning, end-of-life issues, phase of life transitions, depression, health behaviors, disordered eating and body image, chronic pain, sleep disturbances, cognitive changes, and caregiver stress.
I am a clinical psychologist who delivers individualized, evidence-based care for adults who are seeking meaning, healing, or change. I have a collaborative approach to therapy and an appreciation of diversity within the human experience. I will do my best to connect with you and your struggle, understand and respect your worldview and values, and offer a nonjudgmental space for us to navigate a path away from suffering.
My clinical interests include anxiety, OCD, perinatal mental health, grief, adjustment to chronic illness or change in physical functioning, end-of-life issues, phase of life transitions, depression, health behaviors, disordered eating and body image, chronic pain, sleep disturbances, cognitive changes, and caregiver stress.
I am a clinical psychologist who delivers individualized, evidence-based care for adults who are seeking meaning, healing, or change. I have a collaborative approach to therapy and an appreciation of diversity within the human experience. I will do my best to connect with you and your struggle, understand and respect your worldview and values, and offer a nonjudgmental space for us to navigate a path away from suffering.
Often, what brings people to my practice is the heavy weight of grief and loss, chronic illness, caregiver fatigue, trauma, or major life transitions that have left them feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from their true identity.
Therapy isn't one-size-fits-all. I specialize in grief, trauma, and life transitions, blending talk therapies (IFS, DBT, Polyvagal) with creative modalities like art, play, and sand play. With 9 years in Hospice Bereavement and as a clinical supervisor, I offer a tailored, compassionate space to help you or your child cultivate resilience.
Often, what brings people to my practice is the heavy weight of grief and loss, chronic illness, caregiver fatigue, trauma, or major life transitions that have left them feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from their true identity.
Therapy isn't one-size-fits-all. I specialize in grief, trauma, and life transitions, blending talk therapies (IFS, DBT, Polyvagal) with creative modalities like art, play, and sand play. With 9 years in Hospice Bereavement and as a clinical supervisor, I offer a tailored, compassionate space to help you or your child cultivate resilience.
I specialize in chronic illness and medical trauma, ensuring your lived experience is believed.
What if you didn't have to hold it all together? Living with medical trauma or unpredictable illness forces you into a hyper-vigilant survival mode. Bracing for the next flare or dismissive medical encounter is exhausting and lonely. Traditional therapy often misses the mark here. I specialize in supporting individuals, caregivers, and couples fatigued by the administrative and emotional toll of chronic health challenges. Together, we pace therapy to honor your daily capacity, restoring choice, presence, and genuine peace.
I specialize in chronic illness and medical trauma, ensuring your lived experience is believed.
What if you didn't have to hold it all together? Living with medical trauma or unpredictable illness forces you into a hyper-vigilant survival mode. Bracing for the next flare or dismissive medical encounter is exhausting and lonely. Traditional therapy often misses the mark here. I specialize in supporting individuals, caregivers, and couples fatigued by the administrative and emotional toll of chronic health challenges. Together, we pace therapy to honor your daily capacity, restoring choice, presence, and genuine peace.
As an LMFT with 20+ years of experience devoted to working with folks throughout their lifespan, I help clients find the preferred stories of their lives. I provide an open, all-inclusive spirit where change can be realized, strengths are celebrated and a warm and welcoming space awaits. I lean on a solution-focused lens to guide our dialogues and am informed by my mindfulness training to support you in leading a more balanced and healthy life. I bring a non-pathologizing, non-hierarchical perspective, where individual differences, diversity, and alternative ways of being are honored.
As an LMFT with 20+ years of experience devoted to working with folks throughout their lifespan, I help clients find the preferred stories of their lives. I provide an open, all-inclusive spirit where change can be realized, strengths are celebrated and a warm and welcoming space awaits. I lean on a solution-focused lens to guide our dialogues and am informed by my mindfulness training to support you in leading a more balanced and healthy life. I bring a non-pathologizing, non-hierarchical perspective, where individual differences, diversity, and alternative ways of being are honored.
Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, life changes, or relationship struggles? You might look high-functioning on the outside but feel like you're "crashing out" on the inside. You're not alone! I offer virtual therapy for adults in Colorado & California, creating a safe, supportive space to explore what’s weighing on you. Using a collaborative approach, I help you feel more grounded, build emotional resilience, and create meaningful change with compassion, clarity, and practical tools.
Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, life changes, or relationship struggles? You might look high-functioning on the outside but feel like you're "crashing out" on the inside. You're not alone! I offer virtual therapy for adults in Colorado & California, creating a safe, supportive space to explore what’s weighing on you. Using a collaborative approach, I help you feel more grounded, build emotional resilience, and create meaningful change with compassion, clarity, and practical tools.
My goal is to cultivate a warm, non-judgmental, inclusive space for clients to embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery. I have extensive experience supporting clients facing acute and chronic health challenges and navigating significant life transitions, such as relationship changes, birth, loss, and career shifts. Every client brings unique strengths, identities, histories, and relationships to our work. I use a relational, collaborative approach to integrate these qualities into treatment plans. In initial sessions, I focus on clients' therapeutic objectives to chart a path of growth and healing.
My goal is to cultivate a warm, non-judgmental, inclusive space for clients to embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery. I have extensive experience supporting clients facing acute and chronic health challenges and navigating significant life transitions, such as relationship changes, birth, loss, and career shifts. Every client brings unique strengths, identities, histories, and relationships to our work. I use a relational, collaborative approach to integrate these qualities into treatment plans. In initial sessions, I focus on clients' therapeutic objectives to chart a path of growth and healing.
Kelly Hutton, Chronic pain and illness therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
San Diego, CA 92102
Do you have chronic pain, chronic fatigue, or chronic illness you are managing?
I work with individuals and couples/families around these issues and work specifically with couples and families around the changing in roles, caregiving/care partners, and marital or family issues/dynamics around illness or pain. I work in-person or virtually and can provide in-home sessions for those struggling with mobility, fatigue or pain.
Do you have chronic pain, chronic fatigue, or chronic illness you are managing?
I work with individuals and couples/families around these issues and work specifically with couples and families around the changing in roles, caregiving/care partners, and marital or family issues/dynamics around illness or pain. I work in-person or virtually and can provide in-home sessions for those struggling with mobility, fatigue or pain.
I specialize in general clinical psychology (various anxiety and mood disorders), health psychology, and evidence-based practice. I use cognitive behavioral therapy with a collaborate approach. At the beginning of treatment, we work toward figuring out what isn’t working for you and how to initially get you some symptom relief. I value getting to know you and your thoughts, beliefs, and coping strategies. I help you find ways to cope that are more effective. I strive for genuine relationships with my clients at any stage of adulthood where we can discuss issues openly. You are included in treatment-related decisions.
I specialize in general clinical psychology (various anxiety and mood disorders), health psychology, and evidence-based practice. I use cognitive behavioral therapy with a collaborate approach. At the beginning of treatment, we work toward figuring out what isn’t working for you and how to initially get you some symptom relief. I value getting to know you and your thoughts, beliefs, and coping strategies. I help you find ways to cope that are more effective. I strive for genuine relationships with my clients at any stage of adulthood where we can discuss issues openly. You are included in treatment-related decisions.
Dominique Giambalvo: HOPE Therapy Group
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC
3 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92128
Passionate about supporting mental wellness, she specializes in working with children on the autism spectrum, individuals navigating chronic illness or chronic pain, and those who have experienced trauma.
Dominique utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a primary framework, while also bringing experience in play-based intervention, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), art-based intervention, and suicide prevention.
Passionate about supporting mental wellness, she specializes in working with children on the autism spectrum, individuals navigating chronic illness or chronic pain, and those who have experienced trauma.
Dominique utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a primary framework, while also bringing experience in play-based intervention, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), art-based intervention, and suicide prevention.
Are you struggling with life's transitions? Maybe you’re dealing with a job loss, a relationship ending, relocation, or the loss of a loved one to illness or death. And despite trying your best, you still feel adrift, caught in waves of anger, sadness, confusion, and frustration. I understand this journey intimately. My own experiences with cross-country moves, cultural adaptation, career changes, and personal losses have taught me that these breaking points can become our most powerful catalysts for transformation. When everything feels overwhelming, this is precisely when healing and growth can come together.
Are you struggling with life's transitions? Maybe you’re dealing with a job loss, a relationship ending, relocation, or the loss of a loved one to illness or death. And despite trying your best, you still feel adrift, caught in waves of anger, sadness, confusion, and frustration. I understand this journey intimately. My own experiences with cross-country moves, cultural adaptation, career changes, and personal losses have taught me that these breaking points can become our most powerful catalysts for transformation. When everything feels overwhelming, this is precisely when healing and growth can come together.
I am especially passionate about working with individuals navigating women’s health concerns, chronic illness, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and neurodivergent families.
My work is grounded in cultural humility and an awareness of how systemic and personal challenges impact mental health, and I strive to build a therapeutic relationship rooted in respect and empowerment.
I am especially passionate about working with individuals navigating women’s health concerns, chronic illness, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and neurodivergent families.
My work is grounded in cultural humility and an awareness of how systemic and personal challenges impact mental health, and I strive to build a therapeutic relationship rooted in respect and empowerment.
An ideal client may present issues related to any source of loss and grief, especially pet loss or chronic illness.
As a loss and transformational grief specialist, I help pet parents navigate pet loss and heal the grief that follows, so they can transform loss into love and grief into growth, and the loss is then honored by the transformation it inspired. I specialize in the experience of Anticipatory Grief access here or www.growbeyondgrief.com/
An ideal client may present issues related to any source of loss and grief, especially pet loss or chronic illness.
As a loss and transformational grief specialist, I help pet parents navigate pet loss and heal the grief that follows, so they can transform loss into love and grief into growth, and the loss is then honored by the transformation it inspired. I specialize in the experience of Anticipatory Grief access here or www.growbeyondgrief.com/
I primarily work with patients who suffer from chronic pain or chronic illness.
I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and I employ the latest techniques that help with mood disorders and the effect chronic pain has on mood and quality of life. Our team includes ocean/surf therapists, Somatic Therapists, LCSWs, and acupuncture. We use modalities such as ocean therapy, EMDR, Play Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy.
I primarily work with patients who suffer from chronic pain or chronic illness.
I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and I employ the latest techniques that help with mood disorders and the effect chronic pain has on mood and quality of life. Our team includes ocean/surf therapists, Somatic Therapists, LCSWs, and acupuncture. We use modalities such as ocean therapy, EMDR, Play Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy.
I specialize in neurodivergence, and especially love working with late diagnosed autistic individuals. I see many women, non-binary, people of color, and other minority backgrounds who struggle with getting the adequate diagnosis. It's my goal to change that. I am constantly staying up to date with new neurodiversity related findings and frequently exploring new ways to support this community. Mental Health Care has failed neurodiverse folks for too long, it is truly my mission to change that.
I specialize in neurodivergence, and especially love working with late diagnosed autistic individuals. I see many women, non-binary, people of color, and other minority backgrounds who struggle with getting the adequate diagnosis. It's my goal to change that. I am constantly staying up to date with new neurodiversity related findings and frequently exploring new ways to support this community. Mental Health Care has failed neurodiverse folks for too long, it is truly my mission to change that.
As a chronic illness warrior/ spoonie, I completely understand what it feels like to sit on the other side of the couch (or, screen), and how important it is to chat with someone who 'gets it
I specialize in chronic health conditions and trauma, which I understand first hand. Chronic medical conditions (i.e. dysautonomia POTS, EDS, Lyme disease, Bartonella, IBS, fibro, fatigue CFS, Hashimoto’s, mast cell MCAS, sickle cell disease, mold illness CIRS, etc.) often come with significant challenges, like fear, anxiety, grief, medical PTSD, and may interfere with relationships and daily function. I utilize various holistic evidence-based treatment modalities and practice-based evidence, contingent on each person’s needs and goals, with an added focus on mindfulness techniques, positive psychology, and strengths-based therapy.
As a chronic illness warrior/ spoonie, I completely understand what it feels like to sit on the other side of the couch (or, screen), and how important it is to chat with someone who 'gets it
I specialize in chronic health conditions and trauma, which I understand first hand. Chronic medical conditions (i.e. dysautonomia POTS, EDS, Lyme disease, Bartonella, IBS, fibro, fatigue CFS, Hashimoto’s, mast cell MCAS, sickle cell disease, mold illness CIRS, etc.) often come with significant challenges, like fear, anxiety, grief, medical PTSD, and may interfere with relationships and daily function. I utilize various holistic evidence-based treatment modalities and practice-based evidence, contingent on each person’s needs and goals, with an added focus on mindfulness techniques, positive psychology, and strengths-based therapy.
I specialize in PTSD and trauma, depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and substance misuse.
I offer personalized support crafted for the LGBTQ+ and Latine communities. Not queer or BIPOC? No worries, I've got you covered with therapy tailored to you! We tackle your thoughts and feelings head-on, uncovering the real issues for swift relief and sustainable recovery. My expertise in Brainspotting deepens our work together, focusing on your healing.
I specialize in PTSD and trauma, depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and substance misuse.
I offer personalized support crafted for the LGBTQ+ and Latine communities. Not queer or BIPOC? No worries, I've got you covered with therapy tailored to you! We tackle your thoughts and feelings head-on, uncovering the real issues for swift relief and sustainable recovery. My expertise in Brainspotting deepens our work together, focusing on your healing.
See more therapy options for San Diego
Nearby Chronic Illness Therapists Searches for San Diego
- Chula Vista
- Coronado
- Del Mar
- El Cajon
- Imperial Beach
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- Lemon Grove
- Poway
- Santee
- Solana Beach
- Spring Valley
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.