Chronic Illness Therapists in 21742
Kathleen Prest
Master Social Work, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hagerstown, MD 21742 (Online Only)
Are you feeling tired, run down, frustrated or hopeless? You're struggling with the never ending challenges and transitions life throws at you. Your plate is so full, you can't possibly take on another thing, yet, here you are...taking on one more thing. You are constantly taking care of others, but your name never makes it to the top of the list. You're sick and tired of being sick and tired. Maybe you're a young adult that is struggling to see the point in life, or maybe you're a parent that is at the end of your rope. You desperately need something to change...but what?
Are you feeling tired, run down, frustrated or hopeless? You're struggling with the never ending challenges and transitions life throws at you. Your plate is so full, you can't possibly take on another thing, yet, here you are...taking on one more thing. You are constantly taking care of others, but your name never makes it to the top of the list. You're sick and tired of being sick and tired. Maybe you're a young adult that is struggling to see the point in life, or maybe you're a parent that is at the end of your rope. You desperately need something to change...but what?
Dr. Dianne Kleckner
Pastoral Counselor, Doctora
Verified Verified
Hagerstown, MD 21742
Hello from Bridge of Life Counseling. Our main focus is working with those who are surviving yet suffering with trauma. Being a survivor means you've lived through the tragedy and abuse but now dealing with life can be distorted and hard. Dr. Kleckner has worked 18 years helping people with C/PTSD, Dissociative Disorders and Generalized Anxiety. Perhaps a day such as this is your time to call. Professional, experienced and caring, Dr. Kleckner can help you. There is Hope for your Future. References are available.
Hello from Bridge of Life Counseling. Our main focus is working with those who are surviving yet suffering with trauma. Being a survivor means you've lived through the tragedy and abuse but now dealing with life can be distorted and hard. Dr. Kleckner has worked 18 years helping people with C/PTSD, Dissociative Disorders and Generalized Anxiety. Perhaps a day such as this is your time to call. Professional, experienced and caring, Dr. Kleckner can help you. There is Hope for your Future. References are available.
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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.