Photo of Ivko Pejovic, Counselor in 98026, WA
Ivko Pejovic
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Edmonds, WA 98026
I have over 20 years of experience working as a mental health counselor in the State of Washington. My areas of expertise include individual, couple, and family therapy. My specialties are PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse. Also, I have been facilitating different groups for 20 years and a DBT group for 9 years. All of the clients who have committed themself to this DBT class have learned some specific DBT skills that they can apply in their daily lives when they feel depressed or anxious.
I have over 20 years of experience working as a mental health counselor in the State of Washington. My areas of expertise include individual, couple, and family therapy. My specialties are PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse. Also, I have been facilitating different groups for 20 years and a DBT group for 9 years. All of the clients who have committed themself to this DBT class have learned some specific DBT skills that they can apply in their daily lives when they feel depressed or anxious.
(206) 207-8707 View (206) 207-8707
Photo of Frances Murphy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 98026, WA
Frances Murphy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, Frances Murphy, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Edmonds, WA 98026
Reaching out is a big decision. We all have the ability to change, learn and grow. We are not born with skills, throughout our life we gain many coping mechanisms, but some of those are born out of survival, fear or toxic family dynamics and might make it challenging to navigate in relationships or during life’s transitions. For many this leads to experiencing a variety of symptoms. Life can also throw us some big curveballs that feel impossible to adjust to. I believe with assistance anyone can process the past, heal, build coping skills and cultivate a mindset that is needed to create a life that is enjoyable
Reaching out is a big decision. We all have the ability to change, learn and grow. We are not born with skills, throughout our life we gain many coping mechanisms, but some of those are born out of survival, fear or toxic family dynamics and might make it challenging to navigate in relationships or during life’s transitions. For many this leads to experiencing a variety of symptoms. Life can also throw us some big curveballs that feel impossible to adjust to. I believe with assistance anyone can process the past, heal, build coping skills and cultivate a mindset that is needed to create a life that is enjoyable
(425) 578-5814 View (425) 578-5814
Photo of Owen Bargreen, Psychologist in 98026, WA
Owen Bargreen
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Edmonds, WA 98026
Psychology works because it is a way to help people understand their problems and correct or change so that they can live more healthy or satisfying lives. Many people come for therapy if they are experiencing problems with depression, anxiety or relationship issues. Some other common problems that I help treat are problems with work injuries, sleep, weight, stress, trauma, and sexual problems. These problems can be greatly helped through therapy. I employ an eclectic approach to therapy, meeting each individual’s needs rather than using one form of treatment.
Psychology works because it is a way to help people understand their problems and correct or change so that they can live more healthy or satisfying lives. Many people come for therapy if they are experiencing problems with depression, anxiety or relationship issues. Some other common problems that I help treat are problems with work injuries, sleep, weight, stress, trauma, and sexual problems. These problems can be greatly helped through therapy. I employ an eclectic approach to therapy, meeting each individual’s needs rather than using one form of treatment.
(425) 470-5190 View (425) 470-5190
Photo of Sharon Aboosaidi, Counselor in 98026, WA
Sharon Aboosaidi
Counselor, PhD
Verified Verified
Edmonds, WA 98026
Counseling can offer an understanding of the behaviors, beliefs and emotions that fuel our daily interactions with families and other people. Therapy is a process. My job is to facilitate you through possible change options. It is my goal to work with you closely during therapy to aid in clarifying your goals for treatment, explore patterns and choices of communication, relationships, life style and foster development of beneficial coping strategies with commitment on both parts during therapy. The main goal is to explore patterns of behavior, thoughts, and actions to foster positive change and personal growth.
Counseling can offer an understanding of the behaviors, beliefs and emotions that fuel our daily interactions with families and other people. Therapy is a process. My job is to facilitate you through possible change options. It is my goal to work with you closely during therapy to aid in clarifying your goals for treatment, explore patterns and choices of communication, relationships, life style and foster development of beneficial coping strategies with commitment on both parts during therapy. The main goal is to explore patterns of behavior, thoughts, and actions to foster positive change and personal growth.
(206) 745-3402 View (206) 745-3402
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.