Photo of Michelle Di Paolo, Licensed Professional Counselor in 75093, TX
Michelle Di Paolo
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC, ADHDCSP
Verified Verified
Plano, TX 75093
Waitlist for new clients
I help people improve their mental wellness and quality of life pertaining to: health stressors, romantic/family relationships, social anxiety, existential identity issues, traumatic experiences, and specialize in treating those with medical conditions like heart disease, cancer, surgeries, terminal illness, autoimmune disorders and many more. Addressing physical conditions along with mental health ones is essential in the work I do: sleep/insomnia, sexual dysfunction, weight gain/loss, pain management, and substance misuse. I enjoy working with all races/ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, and spiritualities.
I help people improve their mental wellness and quality of life pertaining to: health stressors, romantic/family relationships, social anxiety, existential identity issues, traumatic experiences, and specialize in treating those with medical conditions like heart disease, cancer, surgeries, terminal illness, autoimmune disorders and many more. Addressing physical conditions along with mental health ones is essential in the work I do: sleep/insomnia, sexual dysfunction, weight gain/loss, pain management, and substance misuse. I enjoy working with all races/ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, and spiritualities.
(469) 844-4577 View (469) 844-4577
Photo of Dr. Kristina Dingus Keuhlen, Marriage & Family Therapist in 75093, TX
Dr. Kristina Dingus Keuhlen
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
Imagine feeling calm, confident, grounded, hopeful, and at ease in your life. If you're having difficulty finding balance, experiencing increased anxiety, feeling stressed out, overwhelmed, and frustrated - I understand and can help. What you're experiencing is normal and together we can get you to a place that allows you to embrace the mess, minimize stress, and find calm in the chaos while embracing the uncertainty.
Imagine feeling calm, confident, grounded, hopeful, and at ease in your life. If you're having difficulty finding balance, experiencing increased anxiety, feeling stressed out, overwhelmed, and frustrated - I understand and can help. What you're experiencing is normal and together we can get you to a place that allows you to embrace the mess, minimize stress, and find calm in the chaos while embracing the uncertainty.
(214) 225-4392 View (214) 225-4392
Photo of Sabrina S Austin, Psychologist in 75093, TX
Sabrina S Austin
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
Plano, TX 75093
Are your health issues overwhelming your life? Living with chronic medical issues like pain can be isolating, frightening, and dejecting. As a health psychologist, I offer hope, knowledge, and support to individuals struggling with complex challenges. Every day, scientific advancements illuminate the integral relationship between mind and body. Effective treatment of one requires caring for both. In working with me, you can expect kindness, humor, acceptance, and a lot of mixed metaphors. I hope that, through our work together, you can find sources of light on your darkest days.
Are your health issues overwhelming your life? Living with chronic medical issues like pain can be isolating, frightening, and dejecting. As a health psychologist, I offer hope, knowledge, and support to individuals struggling with complex challenges. Every day, scientific advancements illuminate the integral relationship between mind and body. Effective treatment of one requires caring for both. In working with me, you can expect kindness, humor, acceptance, and a lot of mixed metaphors. I hope that, through our work together, you can find sources of light on your darkest days.
(972) 702-7245 View (972) 702-7245
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.