Chronic Illness Therapists in 94706

Photo of Sarah Ross, PhD, SEP, Psychologist
Sarah Ross
Psychologist, PhD, SEP
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706
I specialize in working with those who identify as women, using somatic methods that increase awareness of the body in the present moment. These methods allow past experiences that remain "stuck," within us to be contacted in the present and internal states can begin to shift. "Stories," or habitual patterns, that keep us from experiencing optimal well-being are interrupted and replaced with new possibilities. Somatic methods are effective in addressing a variety of treatment needs such as trauma, anxiety, depression as well as challenges with children and in families.
I specialize in working with those who identify as women, using somatic methods that increase awareness of the body in the present moment. These methods allow past experiences that remain "stuck," within us to be contacted in the present and internal states can begin to shift. "Stories," or habitual patterns, that keep us from experiencing optimal well-being are interrupted and replaced with new possibilities. Somatic methods are effective in addressing a variety of treatment needs such as trauma, anxiety, depression as well as challenges with children and in families.
(415) 610-7057 View (415) 610-7057
Photo of Juliet Small Ernst, LPCC, Counselor
Juliet Small Ernst
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706
I offer compassionate, engaged therapy for adults, young children, adolescents, and couples. I'm committed to helping adults explore the roots of their persistent dissatisfaction, enhance their self-awareness, and find more freedom in their work and relationships. With children and teens, I specialize in helping them navigate anxiety, low self-esteem, the impacts of traumatic experiences, and big or overwhelming emotions. I create a nurturing relationship where young clients can build their confidence through conversation, play, and creativity.
I offer compassionate, engaged therapy for adults, young children, adolescents, and couples. I'm committed to helping adults explore the roots of their persistent dissatisfaction, enhance their self-awareness, and find more freedom in their work and relationships. With children and teens, I specialize in helping them navigate anxiety, low self-esteem, the impacts of traumatic experiences, and big or overwhelming emotions. I create a nurturing relationship where young clients can build their confidence through conversation, play, and creativity.
(510) 781-9568 View (510) 781-9568
Photo of Tracey Brown, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tracey Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706
Would you like to feel less anxious, depressed and/or overwhelmed? Do you want to feel more joy, motivation and/or hope? If so, I'd love to support you with compassion, insight & encouragement to live your best life, emphasizing your strengths, needs/desires, as well as acknowledging and minimizing the challenges. Sustainable personal growth and healing is rarely easy, but with experienced support there is hope, lots of it. What I most want for you is to feel much better emotionally, as well as authentically and fully enjoy the life you've been given from the inside out. Let me know if you'd like this too.
Would you like to feel less anxious, depressed and/or overwhelmed? Do you want to feel more joy, motivation and/or hope? If so, I'd love to support you with compassion, insight & encouragement to live your best life, emphasizing your strengths, needs/desires, as well as acknowledging and minimizing the challenges. Sustainable personal growth and healing is rarely easy, but with experienced support there is hope, lots of it. What I most want for you is to feel much better emotionally, as well as authentically and fully enjoy the life you've been given from the inside out. Let me know if you'd like this too.
(510) 380-7551 View (510) 380-7551
Photo of Dana McMullen, MA, LPCC, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dana McMullen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LPCC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706
I have worked with adults, couples, adolescents and children for over 18 years. I offer a free telephone consultation as you explore what your needs are in finding a therapist and whether you feel I might be of help to you.
I have worked with adults, couples, adolescents and children for over 18 years. I offer a free telephone consultation as you explore what your needs are in finding a therapist and whether you feel I might be of help to you.
(510) 466-1217 View (510) 466-1217
Photo of Naomi Kimmelman, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Naomi Kimmelman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Albany, CA 94706  (Online Only)
If you are experiencing any of the following: anxiety, depression, navigating decisions about your life and relationships, are wanting to change patterns, heal from trauma, explore your identity, work on self esteem, expand your spiritual or creative life, are processing grief, loss and change including coping with a serious illness, injury, Alzheimer’s disease or a family member going through any of the above, I may be the therapist for you. I offer support in coming into greater clarity, connection, self assuredness, ease and peace about the past, where you are now, and who you hope to be as your future self.
If you are experiencing any of the following: anxiety, depression, navigating decisions about your life and relationships, are wanting to change patterns, heal from trauma, explore your identity, work on self esteem, expand your spiritual or creative life, are processing grief, loss and change including coping with a serious illness, injury, Alzheimer’s disease or a family member going through any of the above, I may be the therapist for you. I offer support in coming into greater clarity, connection, self assuredness, ease and peace about the past, where you are now, and who you hope to be as your future self.
(510) 800-9427 View (510) 800-9427
Photo of Stacy Taylor, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Stacy Taylor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706
Therapy Without the Angst! Therapy doesn't have to take years and be intensely painful. I help clients to develop the skills to feel better soon. I'll teach you to calm your anxious mind, feel more confident, and find meaning in life challenges. As a licensed psychotherapist for over 30 years, I've culled the best of many different techniques, for instance: CBT helps change unproductive thinking and behavior; insight therapy offers awareness; and DBT helps to regulate intense emotions and reactions. I offer not just therapeutic techniques but good-old common sense!
Therapy Without the Angst! Therapy doesn't have to take years and be intensely painful. I help clients to develop the skills to feel better soon. I'll teach you to calm your anxious mind, feel more confident, and find meaning in life challenges. As a licensed psychotherapist for over 30 years, I've culled the best of many different techniques, for instance: CBT helps change unproductive thinking and behavior; insight therapy offers awareness; and DBT helps to regulate intense emotions and reactions. I offer not just therapeutic techniques but good-old common sense!
(510) 404-8463 View (510) 404-8463
Photo of Hanna Goericke, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Hanna Goericke
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94706
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and work with individuals, families, couples and children. I particularly enjoy working with people who are navigating difficult interpersonal relationships (with family members, partners, spouses, etc.) or are in the midst of healing from heartbreak, grief or loss. I also have extensive personal and professional experience with chronic pain/illness and have deep regard for the experiencers and caregivers dealing with the challenges that accompany. I also love working with clients who are looking to decrease symptoms of anxiety or panic that are interfering with their quality of life.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and work with individuals, families, couples and children. I particularly enjoy working with people who are navigating difficult interpersonal relationships (with family members, partners, spouses, etc.) or are in the midst of healing from heartbreak, grief or loss. I also have extensive personal and professional experience with chronic pain/illness and have deep regard for the experiencers and caregivers dealing with the challenges that accompany. I also love working with clients who are looking to decrease symptoms of anxiety or panic that are interfering with their quality of life.
(510) 974-7648 View (510) 974-7648
Photo of Kelly Ransom - Bay Area Psychotherapy / Kelly Ransom, PhD, PhD, Psychologist
Bay Area Psychotherapy / Kelly Ransom, PhD
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706  (Online Only)
Evening, weekend, early morning appointments available. If you are struggling with stress, anxiety, parenting or relationship issues, give me a call. Together we will get clear on what results you want to see, and create a potent “healing space” for initiating positive change. Whether you’re wanting a fresh perspective on patterns that are no longer working for you in your relationships, need support for you and your partner or child, or feel stuck in terms of creating the life you’ve envisioned as a result of anxiety or other issues, together we will find a way forward.
Evening, weekend, early morning appointments available. If you are struggling with stress, anxiety, parenting or relationship issues, give me a call. Together we will get clear on what results you want to see, and create a potent “healing space” for initiating positive change. Whether you’re wanting a fresh perspective on patterns that are no longer working for you in your relationships, need support for you and your partner or child, or feel stuck in terms of creating the life you’ve envisioned as a result of anxiety or other issues, together we will find a way forward.
(510) 617-1912 View (510) 617-1912
Photo of Christy Shepard, RN, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christy Shepard
Marriage & Family Therapist, RN, LMFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94706
My approach to the work of psychotherapy is interactive, empathic, and collaborative, relying on intuition, careful listening, offering direct and attuned feedback, and humor to help us build a strong, companionable connection. We will work together to create an atmosphere of trust in which we explore your deeper desires and needs, and examine difficult experiences to better understand and move beyond them to greater self awareness and acceptance. We will talk together in ways that nurture curiosity, compassion, and your creative spirit to help you build more satisfying and mutual relationships, and find the joy in inhabiting yourself more fully.
My approach to the work of psychotherapy is interactive, empathic, and collaborative, relying on intuition, careful listening, offering direct and attuned feedback, and humor to help us build a strong, companionable connection. We will work together to create an atmosphere of trust in which we explore your deeper desires and needs, and examine difficult experiences to better understand and move beyond them to greater self awareness and acceptance. We will talk together in ways that nurture curiosity, compassion, and your creative spirit to help you build more satisfying and mutual relationships, and find the joy in inhabiting yourself more fully.
(415) 691-2224 View (415) 691-2224
Photo of Darrah Whitman Jones, MSW, ACSW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Darrah Whitman Jones
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Albany, CA 94706
I provide individual, couples, and group therapy to a wide array of individuals with varying issues they are seeking support around. I support clients in developing self-awareness, increasing self-esteem, and managing anxiety in their lives. My clients often report goals of increased feelings of life satisfaction, more fulfilling relationships, and confidence in themselves. My clients are looking to feel self-assured in their decisions and direction in life. I offer a secure, supportive environment where my client's whole selves, as well as their goals are accepted without judgement, but with curiosity and compassion.
I provide individual, couples, and group therapy to a wide array of individuals with varying issues they are seeking support around. I support clients in developing self-awareness, increasing self-esteem, and managing anxiety in their lives. My clients often report goals of increased feelings of life satisfaction, more fulfilling relationships, and confidence in themselves. My clients are looking to feel self-assured in their decisions and direction in life. I offer a secure, supportive environment where my client's whole selves, as well as their goals are accepted without judgement, but with curiosity and compassion.
(510) 949-4044 View (510) 949-4044
Photo of Gina Murrell, PsyD, Psychologist
Gina Murrell
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706  (Online Only)
Fearful of change or feeling stuck in an unfulfilling job or relationship? Tired of not being able to figure out what to do differently? Or perhaps someone close to you suggested that you seek help. Given the pace and complexities of our world and our lives in it, it would be an exception not to experience these stresses. I draw on therapeutic approaches that will focus on the strengths that you bring coupled with the most effective treatment for your particular set of challenges. Beginning therapy and choosing a therapist may be overwhelming. I can help you navigate this.
Fearful of change or feeling stuck in an unfulfilling job or relationship? Tired of not being able to figure out what to do differently? Or perhaps someone close to you suggested that you seek help. Given the pace and complexities of our world and our lives in it, it would be an exception not to experience these stresses. I draw on therapeutic approaches that will focus on the strengths that you bring coupled with the most effective treatment for your particular set of challenges. Beginning therapy and choosing a therapist may be overwhelming. I can help you navigate this.
(510) 327-3382 View (510) 327-3382
Photo of Sarah Hammill, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Hammill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94706
Are you an over-achiever with a painful childhood? Do you push yourself to be the best, even when it taxes your personal life and mental health? I help adults like you who’ve experienced chaotic or traumatic childhoods. I understand how exhausting it can be to stay one step ahead of the inner critic and keep hidden the most vulnerable parts inside. I know the toll it takes: low self-confidence, burnout and anxiety. And I want more for you. More confidence, more clarity, and more joy.
Are you an over-achiever with a painful childhood? Do you push yourself to be the best, even when it taxes your personal life and mental health? I help adults like you who’ve experienced chaotic or traumatic childhoods. I understand how exhausting it can be to stay one step ahead of the inner critic and keep hidden the most vulnerable parts inside. I know the toll it takes: low self-confidence, burnout and anxiety. And I want more for you. More confidence, more clarity, and more joy.
(510) 454-8430 View (510) 454-8430
Photo of Jennifer Smee, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jennifer Smee
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94706
All life is a relationship. From our very first moments and onward, what happens in relationship teaches us about how to be in the world. We continually form certain core beliefs, ways of thinking, patterns of tension, and ways of moving our body that can be both healthy and limiting. Trauma, abuse, neglect, and other wounding contribute to how we form our relationship with the world and with ourselves. All of our past experiences have an impact on our present experience. Our day to day life can then be full of a sense of meaninglessness, emotional and physical pain, chronic anxiety, mistrust, or general unease.
All life is a relationship. From our very first moments and onward, what happens in relationship teaches us about how to be in the world. We continually form certain core beliefs, ways of thinking, patterns of tension, and ways of moving our body that can be both healthy and limiting. Trauma, abuse, neglect, and other wounding contribute to how we form our relationship with the world and with ourselves. All of our past experiences have an impact on our present experience. Our day to day life can then be full of a sense of meaninglessness, emotional and physical pain, chronic anxiety, mistrust, or general unease.
(415) 968-5381 View (415) 968-5381
Photo of Sandra Amador Mora, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sandra Amador Mora
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94706
I work with people who are suffering and are looking to better understand why they feel the way they do. My clients are open to exploring the role that internal unconscious forces, as well the role that the social environment, play in how they experience themselves and others. Long term psychotherapy is not only beneficial for dealing with suffering. Once a person has made progress with the primary life concerns, room is created for expansive growth, including the attainment of goals, and I believe that it is equally important to go through this process accompanied.
I work with people who are suffering and are looking to better understand why they feel the way they do. My clients are open to exploring the role that internal unconscious forces, as well the role that the social environment, play in how they experience themselves and others. Long term psychotherapy is not only beneficial for dealing with suffering. Once a person has made progress with the primary life concerns, room is created for expansive growth, including the attainment of goals, and I believe that it is equally important to go through this process accompanied.
(510) 230-2681 View (510) 230-2681
Photo of Davida Solwren, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Davida Solwren
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94706
Do you ever feel overwhelmed caring for your children, ill spouse, elderly parents or others? When caretaking responsibilities demand so much time and energy, do you sometimes feel you've lost part of yourself? Perhaps you're afraid you are going to lose someone you love. Do you feel you must sacrifice yourself in order to have relationships leaving you wondering where you end and others begin? Can you only really be yourself when alone? Do you feel guilty or ashamed for resenting your situation? If you can relate to any of these difficulties, I can help.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed caring for your children, ill spouse, elderly parents or others? When caretaking responsibilities demand so much time and energy, do you sometimes feel you've lost part of yourself? Perhaps you're afraid you are going to lose someone you love. Do you feel you must sacrifice yourself in order to have relationships leaving you wondering where you end and others begin? Can you only really be yourself when alone? Do you feel guilty or ashamed for resenting your situation? If you can relate to any of these difficulties, I can help.
(510) 362-7084 View (510) 362-7084
Photo of Dr. Leah H. Rosenthal, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Leah H. Rosenthal
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Albany, CA 94706
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training conducting psychological assessments of children and adults, identifying and tailoring therapeutic goals to each individual in order to provide compassionate and effective psychotherapy and psychological consultation. I earned my doctorate at UC Berkeley and completed my clinical training, working with children and adults, at the Veterans Administration Healthcare System, UCSF Medical Center and UC Davis Medical Center.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training conducting psychological assessments of children and adults, identifying and tailoring therapeutic goals to each individual in order to provide compassionate and effective psychotherapy and psychological consultation. I earned my doctorate at UC Berkeley and completed my clinical training, working with children and adults, at the Veterans Administration Healthcare System, UCSF Medical Center and UC Davis Medical Center.
(510) 394-1741 View (510) 394-1741
Photo of Sara Willott, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sara Willott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94706
Are you thinking about breaking a pattern that no longer serves you? Often feel like an outsider? Wanting to understand threads between past, present experiences, and possibilities ahead? Utilizing a variety of approaches, I can offer perspective and help you feel understood in order to create change in your life. I provide an affirming space for a lot of people who have had previously unsatisfactory experiences in therapy including LGBTQIA folks. I have extensive training beyond just getting licensed to practice therapy. Working with a clinically astute, sincere therapist can be life-changing.
Are you thinking about breaking a pattern that no longer serves you? Often feel like an outsider? Wanting to understand threads between past, present experiences, and possibilities ahead? Utilizing a variety of approaches, I can offer perspective and help you feel understood in order to create change in your life. I provide an affirming space for a lot of people who have had previously unsatisfactory experiences in therapy including LGBTQIA folks. I have extensive training beyond just getting licensed to practice therapy. Working with a clinically astute, sincere therapist can be life-changing.
(303) 943-9718 View (303) 943-9718
Photo of Angela Y. Sun, PsyD, Psychologist
Angela Y. Sun
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94706  (Online Only)
Many clients I work with have difficulty letting people really see them. Outwardly, they are viewed as smart, creative, and successful, but have a hard time feeling vulnerable and may even feel "broken inside". These clients are my specialty. I provide my clients with the feeling like I always have their back by creating a safe, supportive, and consistent relationship. This allows you to develop the perspectives and abilities that may have felt too overwhelming to change on your own. Through our work, you will feel a strong and steady sense of who you are, allowing you confidence to grow.
Many clients I work with have difficulty letting people really see them. Outwardly, they are viewed as smart, creative, and successful, but have a hard time feeling vulnerable and may even feel "broken inside". These clients are my specialty. I provide my clients with the feeling like I always have their back by creating a safe, supportive, and consistent relationship. This allows you to develop the perspectives and abilities that may have felt too overwhelming to change on your own. Through our work, you will feel a strong and steady sense of who you are, allowing you confidence to grow.
(415) 521-1184 View (415) 521-1184
Photo of Jennifer Kern, MA,  MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Jennifer Kern
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94706  (Online Only)
Everyone struggles at times. Not everyone reaches out to someone with the experience and training to help. You are on your way. My style is collaborative and practical. I bring authenticity, warmth, humor, life experience, empathy, and skills in a variety of modalities to session. You are invited to bring your whole self with whatever you are experiencing and hope to shift. Your goals will lay the foundation for the work we will do together. I am trained in EMDR and ready to help with trauma as well as with a range of individual, family, and couple issues including grief, anxiety, depression, conflict, and life transitions.
Everyone struggles at times. Not everyone reaches out to someone with the experience and training to help. You are on your way. My style is collaborative and practical. I bring authenticity, warmth, humor, life experience, empathy, and skills in a variety of modalities to session. You are invited to bring your whole self with whatever you are experiencing and hope to shift. Your goals will lay the foundation for the work we will do together. I am trained in EMDR and ready to help with trauma as well as with a range of individual, family, and couple issues including grief, anxiety, depression, conflict, and life transitions.
(341) 895-7402 View (341) 895-7402
Photo of Lena Nicodemus, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lena Nicodemus
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94706  (Online Only)
Do you feel trapped by your anxious rumination, obsessive-compulsive patterns, and people-pleasing behaviors? Have you seen therapists in the past who you feel like listened and validated you but didn't help you figure out what to actually do about your anxiety? Maybe you feel like your previous trauma makes it hard for you to feel like you can connect with loved ones in relationship now? I help highly motivated clients like you learn how to manage your anxiety and get your needs met in your relationships. There is hope for you to live a life that feels worth living.
Do you feel trapped by your anxious rumination, obsessive-compulsive patterns, and people-pleasing behaviors? Have you seen therapists in the past who you feel like listened and validated you but didn't help you figure out what to actually do about your anxiety? Maybe you feel like your previous trauma makes it hard for you to feel like you can connect with loved ones in relationship now? I help highly motivated clients like you learn how to manage your anxiety and get your needs met in your relationships. There is hope for you to live a life that feels worth living.
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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.