Chronic Illness Therapists in 28081
Dr. Beth Arrigo
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Kannapolis, NC 28081
I have been practicing psychotherapy for 30 years. I have experience with a wide range of issues. I am most effective with anxiety related disorders and mood disorders. I have extensive training in mindfulness based cognitive behavioral therapy and utilize that approach most often. I find that I am able to connect with a wide range of clients and issues due to my many years of practice. I consider it an honor and a privilege to assist people meet their goals and make any life adjustments they bring.
I have been practicing psychotherapy for 30 years. I have experience with a wide range of issues. I am most effective with anxiety related disorders and mood disorders. I have extensive training in mindfulness based cognitive behavioral therapy and utilize that approach most often. I find that I am able to connect with a wide range of clients and issues due to my many years of practice. I consider it an honor and a privilege to assist people meet their goals and make any life adjustments they bring.
Sarah Deese
Counselor, LCMHCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kannapolis, NC 28081
I work from a collaborative, non-judgmental and empathetic perspective. We may all live in the same world, but our unique individual experiences shape who we are and how we approach events in our lives. In the counseling process, I strive to create a supportive, trusting and safe therapeutic relationship through which difficult thoughts and feelings related to a person's struggles can be explored, understood, and improved. My goal is to help people gain more acceptance, happiness, peace, or content in life. Selfishly I really enjoy helping people and I feel fortunate to have a career that allows me to do that every day.
I work from a collaborative, non-judgmental and empathetic perspective. We may all live in the same world, but our unique individual experiences shape who we are and how we approach events in our lives. In the counseling process, I strive to create a supportive, trusting and safe therapeutic relationship through which difficult thoughts and feelings related to a person's struggles can be explored, understood, and improved. My goal is to help people gain more acceptance, happiness, peace, or content in life. Selfishly I really enjoy helping people and I feel fortunate to have a career that allows me to do that every day.
Kathryn Grimsley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kannapolis, NC 28081
Hello, I'm Kathryn and I’m so glad you are here! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 12+ years experience serving individuals, families, groups, couples (aged 4+). My ideal clients are those who realize their capability for change and who are willing to do the work required to live a more whole-hearted life. I ask also for willingness and honesty - therapy does not work without these things. I want to develop a partnership with you, one based on boundaries and validation. Please be encouraged that you don't have to "do life" alone. It's time to choose thriving over surviving!
Hello, I'm Kathryn and I’m so glad you are here! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 12+ years experience serving individuals, families, groups, couples (aged 4+). My ideal clients are those who realize their capability for change and who are willing to do the work required to live a more whole-hearted life. I ask also for willingness and honesty - therapy does not work without these things. I want to develop a partnership with you, one based on boundaries and validation. Please be encouraged that you don't have to "do life" alone. It's time to choose thriving over surviving!
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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.