Chronic Illness Therapists in San Diego, CA
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 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.
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.
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've spent years working with individuals challenged with illnesses such as CKD/ESKD, genetic disorders and other chronic illness, provided individual therapy for many challenges.
Hello, I hope you're ok. I am here to support individuals who experience new diagnosis or illness, a divorce or other challenging or traumatic event. I also support depression, anxiety, personal healing and growth. It may feel hard to engage in life, experience low confidence, possibly, your sense of meaning and purpose is waning or having career challenges. If you need to overcome a habit or to find a sense of self reach out - life could feel hard even impossible to overcome alone. I'll hear you, and I'd love to partner with you!
I've spent years working with individuals challenged with illnesses such as CKD/ESKD, genetic disorders and other chronic illness, provided individual therapy for many challenges.
Hello, I hope you're ok. I am here to support individuals who experience new diagnosis or illness, a divorce or other challenging or traumatic event. I also support depression, anxiety, personal healing and growth. It may feel hard to engage in life, experience low confidence, possibly, your sense of meaning and purpose is waning or having career challenges. If you need to overcome a habit or to find a sense of self reach out - life could feel hard even impossible to overcome alone. I'll hear you, and I'd love to partner with you!
Coping with anxiety, depression, grief, and loss or the adjustment to a chronic illness can be an isolating and emotional journey.
Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, person-centered, solution-focused therapy and Mindfulness approaches, I help clients develop tools to manage distress, process grief, and build resilience. My approach is compassionate and tailored to your unique challenges, ensuring that therapy feels supportive and effective.
Coping with anxiety, depression, grief, and loss or the adjustment to a chronic illness can be an isolating and emotional journey.
Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, person-centered, solution-focused therapy and Mindfulness approaches, I help clients develop tools to manage distress, process grief, and build resilience. My approach is compassionate and tailored to your unique challenges, ensuring that therapy feels supportive and effective.
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.
As a therapist and health advocate, committed to clinical excellence, I integrate IFS, EMDR, CBT, mindfulness, and somatic techniques to support adults and veterans navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic illness to help them find relief from distressing symptoms, reclaim a sense of safety and self, gain clarity, and move forward with renewed hope & purpose.
I work with adults of all ages and specialize in providing compassionate, competent care for U.S. veterans, women navigating life with chronic illness &/or disability, individuals who have not found success with previous therapy, and those struggling with their faith or seeking to integrate spiritual care into their healing journey.
As a therapist and health advocate, committed to clinical excellence, I integrate IFS, EMDR, CBT, mindfulness, and somatic techniques to support adults and veterans navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic illness to help them find relief from distressing symptoms, reclaim a sense of safety and self, gain clarity, and move forward with renewed hope & purpose.
I work with adults of all ages and specialize in providing compassionate, competent care for U.S. veterans, women navigating life with chronic illness &/or disability, individuals who have not found success with previous therapy, and those struggling with their faith or seeking to integrate spiritual care into their healing journey.
Brainspotting Trauma Therapist Giselle Laguna
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
3 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92103
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.
I am passionate about empowering adults living with diabetes, chronic illness, and mood disorders to build the resilience and skills to adapt and thrive.
Strive To Thrive Psychology is dedicated to improving the quality of life and mental health of adults living with chronic illnesses such as Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, autoimmune disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and/or other chronic and invisible illness or invisible disability. I focus on helping you improve your quality of life so that you can better manage your chronic health conditions and thrive both physically and emotionally.
I am passionate about empowering adults living with diabetes, chronic illness, and mood disorders to build the resilience and skills to adapt and thrive.
Strive To Thrive Psychology is dedicated to improving the quality of life and mental health of adults living with chronic illnesses such as Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, autoimmune disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and/or other chronic and invisible illness or invisible disability. I focus on helping you improve your quality of life so that you can better manage your chronic health conditions and thrive both physically and emotionally.
I offer a specializing focus on medical traumas, such as surgical/illness trauma, medical phobias ( fear of the dentist, shots), chronic illness & pain.
Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck? Are you struggling with how to "return to normal" since 2020? I specialize in trauma informed therapy for adults, adolescents and families. Trauma-informed care recognizes the effects of trauma on behavior, emotions & physical well-being, while prioritizing a safe therapeutic environment. I have extensive experience with CPTSD, PTSD, medical trauma, chronic pain and phobias. I aim to understand the unique needs of each person, while emphasizing empowerment and personal choice. Living with my own health challenges has helped to shape my understanding and approach.
I offer a specializing focus on medical traumas, such as surgical/illness trauma, medical phobias ( fear of the dentist, shots), chronic illness & pain.
Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck? Are you struggling with how to "return to normal" since 2020? I specialize in trauma informed therapy for adults, adolescents and families. Trauma-informed care recognizes the effects of trauma on behavior, emotions & physical well-being, while prioritizing a safe therapeutic environment. I have extensive experience with CPTSD, PTSD, medical trauma, chronic pain and phobias. I aim to understand the unique needs of each person, while emphasizing empowerment and personal choice. Living with my own health challenges has helped to shape my understanding and approach.
I specialize in chronic illness and pain, medical and childhood trauma, grief, people-pleasing, caretaking, ADHD and autism, and navigating life's changes.
I offer relational therapy for the chronically ill, the grievers, those who feel overwhelmed by life’s demands, and those who feel they aren’t “good enough."
When you go to bed at night, you wonder how you are going to feel the next morning. You wake up in pain but still start to get ready...only to find that the thought of getting dressed overwhelms you. Shame creeps in: “Why can’t I even do this basic task?” You start to ruminate on this and fear telling people that you are struggling. You push through and mask the pain…which leaves you either very fatigued, in even more physical or emotional pain, and/or overstimulated.
I specialize in chronic illness and pain, medical and childhood trauma, grief, people-pleasing, caretaking, ADHD and autism, and navigating life's changes.
I offer relational therapy for the chronically ill, the grievers, those who feel overwhelmed by life’s demands, and those who feel they aren’t “good enough."
When you go to bed at night, you wonder how you are going to feel the next morning. You wake up in pain but still start to get ready...only to find that the thought of getting dressed overwhelms you. Shame creeps in: “Why can’t I even do this basic task?” You start to ruminate on this and fear telling people that you are struggling. You push through and mask the pain…which leaves you either very fatigued, in even more physical or emotional pain, and/or overstimulated.
My clients are those who struggle with Relationships, Multicultural Navigation, Intimacy, Anxiety, Chronic Illness, and Phase of Life difficulties.
I have a history in queer sex-ed, polyamory counseling, and medical trauma work. I have done premarital counseling, love addiction work, and partnership work. I support clients going through health struggles as well as caregivers of the elderly or chronically ill. I also support the individual in their search for meaning in relationships.
My clients are those who struggle with Relationships, Multicultural Navigation, Intimacy, Anxiety, Chronic Illness, and Phase of Life difficulties.
I have a history in queer sex-ed, polyamory counseling, and medical trauma work. I have done premarital counseling, love addiction work, and partnership work. I support clients going through health struggles as well as caregivers of the elderly or chronically ill. I also support the individual in their search for meaning in relationships.
Do you struggle with the impact chronic illness and disability has on your day-to-day life, relationships, and mental health?
As a chronically ill person, I deeply understand the effects chronic illness can have. I create a safe space for clients to express their feelings and fears, helping them process the emotional impact of their conditions. I can also assist in finding realistic coping skills to manage pain, fatigue, and other symptoms, enhancing your quality of life.
Do you struggle with the impact chronic illness and disability has on your day-to-day life, relationships, and mental health?
As a chronically ill person, I deeply understand the effects chronic illness can have. I create a safe space for clients to express their feelings and fears, helping them process the emotional impact of their conditions. I can also assist in finding realistic coping skills to manage pain, fatigue, and other symptoms, enhancing your quality of life.
I work with clients who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, or grief related to loss, relationships, chronic illness, and other complex stressors.
Welcome! The greatest of positive outcomes are found within integrative practices that champion growth and empowerment. My clinical style is holistic and person-centered and follows a strength-based perspective tailored to meet the unique experience of each person. I apply Rogerian, Behavioral and Solution Focused techniques, to name a few, and frequently use tools from the fields of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness based practices.
I work with clients who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, or grief related to loss, relationships, chronic illness, and other complex stressors.
Welcome! The greatest of positive outcomes are found within integrative practices that champion growth and empowerment. My clinical style is holistic and person-centered and follows a strength-based perspective tailored to meet the unique experience of each person. I apply Rogerian, Behavioral and Solution Focused techniques, to name a few, and frequently use tools from the fields of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness based practices.
Hello, I am Kelleen Stainer. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I take a 'client-centered' approach to therapy and believe therapy is a partnership between the client and the therapist. I typically work with adult clients in need of additional support to cope with their current life challenges. I am most comfortable treating individuals with generalized anxiety disorder, depression, grief, self-esteem issues, chronic illness and relationship issues.
Hello, I am Kelleen Stainer. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I take a 'client-centered' approach to therapy and believe therapy is a partnership between the client and the therapist. I typically work with adult clients in need of additional support to cope with their current life challenges. I am most comfortable treating individuals with generalized anxiety disorder, depression, grief, self-esteem issues, chronic illness and relationship issues.
I work with adult individuals and romantic/non-romantic partnerships (2+) wanting to work on stress, depression, anxiety, addictions, chronic illness, life transitions, partnership reconfigurations, and agreement re-evaluation.
¡Hola! You might be going through a rough patch or want to bring change into your life or relationship. Therapy offers an encouraging and judgment-free space for you to work on current challenges, explore the impact of the past, improve your relationship(s), realize your hopes, and share your talents. Bring all of who you are, the parts you feel proud about and the ones you keep hidden from the world. You are all welcomed! Let's talk about whom you love, how you love, and how you play. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and expressive arts therapist who says Welcome to all of who you are! Bienvenide a CreArte Counseling.
I work with adult individuals and romantic/non-romantic partnerships (2+) wanting to work on stress, depression, anxiety, addictions, chronic illness, life transitions, partnership reconfigurations, and agreement re-evaluation.
¡Hola! You might be going through a rough patch or want to bring change into your life or relationship. Therapy offers an encouraging and judgment-free space for you to work on current challenges, explore the impact of the past, improve your relationship(s), realize your hopes, and share your talents. Bring all of who you are, the parts you feel proud about and the ones you keep hidden from the world. You are all welcomed! Let's talk about whom you love, how you love, and how you play. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and expressive arts therapist who says Welcome to all of who you are! Bienvenide a CreArte Counseling.
I also work with adults who have endured many different types of losses (death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, losses due to chronic illness...) and struggle to find ways to move forward.
My practice offers a safe place to be seen, heard, valued and understood. I help cope with the natural emotions that come with grief. I provide tools to adjust to life changes and take steps forward. I have training in mindfulness, self-compassion skills, cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology, perinatal mental health, and grief and loss.
I also work with adults who have endured many different types of losses (death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, losses due to chronic illness...) and struggle to find ways to move forward.
My practice offers a safe place to be seen, heard, valued and understood. I help cope with the natural emotions that come with grief. I provide tools to adjust to life changes and take steps forward. I have training in mindfulness, self-compassion skills, cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology, perinatal mental health, and grief and loss.
Doing so will make it possible to heal from our challenges like anxiety, depression, disordered eating, and chronic illness.
I provide trauma informed therapy, with training in EMDR and eating disorders. I work with those struggling to live with the effects of trauma and challenging life experiences who are desiring to work through past and present family issues in the midst of anxiety, depression, and other issues such as healing from abuse, assault, and neglect.
Doing so will make it possible to heal from our challenges like anxiety, depression, disordered eating, and chronic illness.
I provide trauma informed therapy, with training in EMDR and eating disorders. I work with those struggling to live with the effects of trauma and challenging life experiences who are desiring to work through past and present family issues in the midst of anxiety, depression, and other issues such as healing from abuse, assault, and neglect.
I most often work with folks who are experiencing significant emotional distress, whether due to trauma, psychosis, chronic illness, or discrimination.
I have expertise in more severe and chronic mental health concerns, including psychosis, PTSD, depression, and difficulty managing emotions, connecting with others and/or thinking. I trained in person-centered, research-supported treatments in graduate school and my fellowship at UCSD/San Diego VA. I have worked in inpatient and residential care settings.
I most often work with folks who are experiencing significant emotional distress, whether due to trauma, psychosis, chronic illness, or discrimination.
I have expertise in more severe and chronic mental health concerns, including psychosis, PTSD, depression, and difficulty managing emotions, connecting with others and/or thinking. I trained in person-centered, research-supported treatments in graduate school and my fellowship at UCSD/San Diego VA. I have worked in inpatient and residential care settings.
See more therapy options for San Diego
Nearby Chronic Illness Therapists Searches for San Diego
- Chula Vista
- Coronado
- Del Mar
- El Cajon
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- Lakeside
- National City
- 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.