Photo of Dr. Kimberly Wilson, Licensed Professional Counselor in 75093, TX
Dr. Kimberly Wilson
Licensed Professional Counselor, NMD, LPC, LMFT, LCDC, LMTI
Verified Verified
Plano, TX 75093
I help those of all ages, families and individuals, with complex physical, mental, or emotional struggles. You do not have to be consumed by mental or physical pain. We will work through the unhealthy patterns in your life and give a new outlook and way to approach things. You deserve a naturally balanced and well life, mind, and body. You deserve the best care! You deserve to make sense of what is going on in your life and understand what is going on in your mind and body, so that you can overcome your challenges. Let's move forward today. kimberlywilsonnmd.com
I help those of all ages, families and individuals, with complex physical, mental, or emotional struggles. You do not have to be consumed by mental or physical pain. We will work through the unhealthy patterns in your life and give a new outlook and way to approach things. You deserve a naturally balanced and well life, mind, and body. You deserve the best care! You deserve to make sense of what is going on in your life and understand what is going on in your mind and body, so that you can overcome your challenges. Let's move forward today. kimberlywilsonnmd.com
(972) 848-5290 View (972) 848-5290
Photo of Stephen Chock, Psychologist in 75093, TX
Stephen Chock
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
MY GOAL: to promote mental, physical, & spiritual health for people at each developmental phase of life. Your struggles might include mood disorder or inefficient brain function. My broad-range experience: studied at Ohio State University under top-ranked professors in Counseling Psychology and brain injury. RESIDENCIES: Minneapolis VA hospital; Ohio State's brain injury rehab unit. 17+ years inpatient rehab neuropsychology experience at Baylor Rehab Dallas, Pate Rehab. 1990-95: Christian counseling & neuropsychology at Minirth-Meier Clinic. Adjunct Professor: LPC-level Counseling degree program at Dallas Theological Seminary.
MY GOAL: to promote mental, physical, & spiritual health for people at each developmental phase of life. Your struggles might include mood disorder or inefficient brain function. My broad-range experience: studied at Ohio State University under top-ranked professors in Counseling Psychology and brain injury. RESIDENCIES: Minneapolis VA hospital; Ohio State's brain injury rehab unit. 17+ years inpatient rehab neuropsychology experience at Baylor Rehab Dallas, Pate Rehab. 1990-95: Christian counseling & neuropsychology at Minirth-Meier Clinic. Adjunct Professor: LPC-level Counseling degree program at Dallas Theological Seminary.
(469) 804-7893 View (469) 804-7893
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.