Chronic Illness Therapists in 55304

Photo of Wildflower Therapy Services, Marriage & Family Therapist in 55304, MN
Wildflower Therapy Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Andover, MN 55304  (Online Only)
I specialize in women, mothers, people pleasers, perfectionists and neurodivergent humans. If this is you : you might feel stressed out, burnt out or anxious. You may feel depressed, lonely or isolated. You may be too hard on yourself for not being perfect. You may struggle with low self-esteem or not feeling good enough. You give everything to your family, your job, your partner and have nothing left for you. You are so busy doing all of the things you don't have time to truly take care of yourself. Your tank is empty. You may even wonder how you can keep doing this day after day. This is not how you want your life to be.
I specialize in women, mothers, people pleasers, perfectionists and neurodivergent humans. If this is you : you might feel stressed out, burnt out or anxious. You may feel depressed, lonely or isolated. You may be too hard on yourself for not being perfect. You may struggle with low self-esteem or not feeling good enough. You give everything to your family, your job, your partner and have nothing left for you. You are so busy doing all of the things you don't have time to truly take care of yourself. Your tank is empty. You may even wonder how you can keep doing this day after day. This is not how you want your life to be.
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Photo of Sarah Lihrman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 55304, MN
Sarah Lihrman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ham Lake, MN 55304  (Online Only)
Hello and welcome to my page! I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker passionate in supporting individuals on their journey. I utilize a compassionate and person-centered approach, helping individuals navigate the complexities of their unique experiences. I work with each client to address the root causes of issues rather than focusing solely on surface-level symptoms. By exploring the mind, body, and spirit, therapy can promote deeper and more lasting healing. My goal is to create a safe and affirming space where you can explore and process your feelings, fostering healing and empowerment.
Hello and welcome to my page! I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker passionate in supporting individuals on their journey. I utilize a compassionate and person-centered approach, helping individuals navigate the complexities of their unique experiences. I work with each client to address the root causes of issues rather than focusing solely on surface-level symptoms. By exploring the mind, body, and spirit, therapy can promote deeper and more lasting healing. My goal is to create a safe and affirming space where you can explore and process your feelings, fostering healing and empowerment.
(763) 373-5020 View (763) 373-5020
Photo of Dr. Amanda R. Donnelly, Psychologist in 55304, MN
Dr. Amanda R. Donnelly
Psychologist, PhD, LP, LPCC, BCB, NCC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Andover, MN 55304  (Online Only)
Do you feel as though pain, anxiety, or depression is in the driver’s seat of your life? You want to take part in activities, but that feels close to impossible, or maybe your desire to do anything has faded altogether. Even what seems like small tasks feel overwhelming and if you complete them, afterwards you then have to rest for days. You might be irritated easily and often, and maybe people you care about are experiencing the consequences. You have likely attended countless medical appointments and attempted various treatments. I would like to try to help you increase your quality of life.
Do you feel as though pain, anxiety, or depression is in the driver’s seat of your life? You want to take part in activities, but that feels close to impossible, or maybe your desire to do anything has faded altogether. Even what seems like small tasks feel overwhelming and if you complete them, afterwards you then have to rest for days. You might be irritated easily and often, and maybe people you care about are experiencing the consequences. You have likely attended countless medical appointments and attempted various treatments. I would like to try to help you increase your quality of life.
(651) 615-9079 View (651) 615-9079
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.