Photo of Lindsay Dalman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 49686, MI
Lindsay Dalman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Traverse City, MI 49686
You want to feel better, increase self confidence and gain more coping skills. Life gets overwhelming, and you are tired of feeling stuck or living in survival mode. You desire support to help process emotions, parenting, family relationships or life changes. Talking with someone who will validate your experiences is important to you. Having a safe space to explore your emotions and strengthen coping skills matters, you want to prioritize yourself in this space. It’s time to feel confident again and challenge those thoughts keeping you stuck to help move you forward into the life that you want. The life that you deserve!
You want to feel better, increase self confidence and gain more coping skills. Life gets overwhelming, and you are tired of feeling stuck or living in survival mode. You desire support to help process emotions, parenting, family relationships or life changes. Talking with someone who will validate your experiences is important to you. Having a safe space to explore your emotions and strengthen coping skills matters, you want to prioritize yourself in this space. It’s time to feel confident again and challenge those thoughts keeping you stuck to help move you forward into the life that you want. The life that you deserve!
(616) 739-6401 View (616) 739-6401
Photo of Allison Wilson, Counselor in 49686, MI
Allison Wilson
Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49686
Not accepting new clients
Life has a way of wearing us down, sometimes it is a slow erosion over time and sometimes it swiftly takes our breath away. Perhaps you're battling depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, life transitions, parenting challenges, or relationship stress. Or maybe you're providing care for a child or adolescent who is struggling with typical or unique challenges and need additional support.
Life has a way of wearing us down, sometimes it is a slow erosion over time and sometimes it swiftly takes our breath away. Perhaps you're battling depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, life transitions, parenting challenges, or relationship stress. Or maybe you're providing care for a child or adolescent who is struggling with typical or unique challenges and need additional support.
(231) 201-3598 View (231) 201-3598

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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.