Photo of Anna Stookey, Marriage & Family Therapist in 90010, CA
Anna Stookey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, CHT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90010  (Online Only)
I work with couples & individuals, and also groups for women, therapists & those struggling with chronic illness seeking support and connection.
We are all seeking peace in one form or another: in our relationships, with ourselves, or in our life choices. Past experiences, trauma, grief & loss, and current conflict or illness can make it hard to feel who you really are and what you want. I am here to listen & reflect your truth, and to help you find and create a life that matters to you. Through empathic conversations, enlivening and reflective exercises, and mindful awareness of yourself and your body, we help you cultivate a felt sense of ease and safety that isn’t just intellectual, so you can live your most awake, consciously-chosen life and relationships.
I work with couples & individuals, and also groups for women, therapists & those struggling with chronic illness seeking support and connection.
We are all seeking peace in one form or another: in our relationships, with ourselves, or in our life choices. Past experiences, trauma, grief & loss, and current conflict or illness can make it hard to feel who you really are and what you want. I am here to listen & reflect your truth, and to help you find and create a life that matters to you. Through empathic conversations, enlivening and reflective exercises, and mindful awareness of yourself and your body, we help you cultivate a felt sense of ease and safety that isn’t just intellectual, so you can live your most awake, consciously-chosen life and relationships.
(323) 431-9717 View (323) 431-9717
Photo of Teddy Goyer, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 90010, CA
Teddy Goyer
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Welcome! I'm Teddy (they/them). I am a queer, trans, disabled and AuDHD therapist specializing in queer-, trans-, and neurodiversty-affirmative therapy. My clients often come to therapy looking for an affirming, safe, supportive, and collaborative environment where all of you is seen, heard, respected, and empowered in working towards your goals. I frequently work with queer and neurodivergent individuals, couples with different neurotypes, and parents of queer and neurodivergent children and adults.
Welcome! I'm Teddy (they/them). I am a queer, trans, disabled and AuDHD therapist specializing in queer-, trans-, and neurodiversty-affirmative therapy. My clients often come to therapy looking for an affirming, safe, supportive, and collaborative environment where all of you is seen, heard, respected, and empowered in working towards your goals. I frequently work with queer and neurodivergent individuals, couples with different neurotypes, and parents of queer and neurodivergent children and adults.
(310) 692-9617 View (310) 692-9617
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.