Chronic Illness Therapists in Kern County, CA
Stephanie R Prince
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93301
I have over 12 years of experience in grief, loss, chronic illness and caregiver fatigue counseling.
Loss is experienced through various forms during our lifetime – whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, the end of a relationship, divorce, children leaving for college or adolescents transitioning into adulthood. Together, we will navigate this journey called life. I believe we were all created with purpose and now that you’ve taken the brave, bold step to seek direction on the next steps of your life, I would love to be considered as your listener and guide.
I have over 12 years of experience in grief, loss, chronic illness and caregiver fatigue counseling.
Loss is experienced through various forms during our lifetime – whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, the end of a relationship, divorce, children leaving for college or adolescents transitioning into adulthood. Together, we will navigate this journey called life. I believe we were all created with purpose and now that you’ve taken the brave, bold step to seek direction on the next steps of your life, I would love to be considered as your listener and guide.
Marlina G Aran
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
I have been working with individuals that suffer from chronic illness, depression, anxiety, and childhood traumas.
First off, are you blown away that you are looking for a therapist? Are you asking yourself when did my life become so complicated? When did I lose myself? Why can’t I move on? It turns out we could all use some help. Life is hard, not having support in life is harder.
I have been working with individuals that suffer from chronic illness, depression, anxiety, and childhood traumas.
First off, are you blown away that you are looking for a therapist? Are you asking yourself when did my life become so complicated? When did I lose myself? Why can’t I move on? It turns out we could all use some help. Life is hard, not having support in life is harder.
Joanna Charnas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
I have been a clinical social worker for over thirty years, and have fifteen years specifically working in mental health. My specialties include helping people with chronic illness, anxiety, depression, LBGTQIA issues, and geriatrics. I work collaboratively with my clients to increase their well-being, using evidenced based treatments to improve their mental health and quality of life. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Activation, Psychodynamic Therapy, as well as tools from Dialectical Behavioral Therapsy, EMDR, and Rational Emotive Therapy.
I have been a clinical social worker for over thirty years, and have fifteen years specifically working in mental health. My specialties include helping people with chronic illness, anxiety, depression, LBGTQIA issues, and geriatrics. I work collaboratively with my clients to increase their well-being, using evidenced based treatments to improve their mental health and quality of life. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Activation, Psychodynamic Therapy, as well as tools from Dialectical Behavioral Therapsy, EMDR, and Rational Emotive Therapy.
Sarah Buck
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93307
I work with teens and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, chronic pain, chronic illness, and trauma.
My name is Sarah Travis Buck and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I work collaboratively with my clients to help them become more self-aware and accepting so that they can realize their strengths, recognize what obstacles lie in their path, and take steps to make the changes they need to make. Together we will enquire into how you want to change your life, what it will take for you to make that happen, and what is blocking you.
I work with teens and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, chronic pain, chronic illness, and trauma.
My name is Sarah Travis Buck and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I work collaboratively with my clients to help them become more self-aware and accepting so that they can realize their strengths, recognize what obstacles lie in their path, and take steps to make the changes they need to make. Together we will enquire into how you want to change your life, what it will take for you to make that happen, and what is blocking you.
Sarah Medzyk
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93311
I have experience with teens, adults, and older adults (55+), chronic illness, mood disorders, grief, and daily stress.
The difficulties of everyday life can sometimes become overwhelming. When on top of those difficulties we add the stresses of illness, anxiety, depression, our identity, our love lives and more-we can easily feel burdened to our breaking point. We just don't feel heard. Sometimes these situations can linger for months or years, making it hard to meet our obligations and live our lives in the way we would like. However, those difficulties and stresses don't need to define who we are-or where we're going. It's my goal as a therapist to help you tell your story.
I have experience with teens, adults, and older adults (55+), chronic illness, mood disorders, grief, and daily stress.
The difficulties of everyday life can sometimes become overwhelming. When on top of those difficulties we add the stresses of illness, anxiety, depression, our identity, our love lives and more-we can easily feel burdened to our breaking point. We just don't feel heard. Sometimes these situations can linger for months or years, making it hard to meet our obligations and live our lives in the way we would like. However, those difficulties and stresses don't need to define who we are-or where we're going. It's my goal as a therapist to help you tell your story.
Vanessa Souza
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
However, I am equipped to counsel sandwich generation adults, individuals struggling with the aging process, those experiencing chronic illness or progressive disability, or even work-related stress and transitions.
My name is Vanessa Souza, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) specializing in working with older adults and the people who care for them, whether personally or professionally. I have a particular focus on people living with memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, or other dementia, and their families and friends. I’m based in Silicon Valley, but provide service via telehealth throughout California. I have nearly 15 years of experience working with older adults, family caregivers (especially caregivers ages 20-50), and professional caregivers, and this is my specialty.
However, I am equipped to counsel sandwich generation adults, individuals struggling with the aging process, those experiencing chronic illness or progressive disability, or even work-related stress and transitions.
My name is Vanessa Souza, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) specializing in working with older adults and the people who care for them, whether personally or professionally. I have a particular focus on people living with memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, or other dementia, and their families and friends. I’m based in Silicon Valley, but provide service via telehealth throughout California. I have nearly 15 years of experience working with older adults, family caregivers (especially caregivers ages 20-50), and professional caregivers, and this is my specialty.
Julie Stefan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93308
I have found that my style and previous professional experience are a good fit for those dealing with chronic illness or a traumatic injury/medical condition as well as those going through life transitions and experiencing depression/anxiety.
My name is Julie Stefan, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Orange County, CA, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in individuals experiencing stress and anxiety/depression due to chronic illness or recovering from a traumatic injury or health condition. Using an eclectic, supportive approach I aim to help my clients feel cared for and to improve their current mood.
I have found that my style and previous professional experience are a good fit for those dealing with chronic illness or a traumatic injury/medical condition as well as those going through life transitions and experiencing depression/anxiety.
My name is Julie Stefan, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Orange County, CA, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in individuals experiencing stress and anxiety/depression due to chronic illness or recovering from a traumatic injury or health condition. Using an eclectic, supportive approach I aim to help my clients feel cared for and to improve their current mood.
Flower J Garcia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93301 (Online Only)
Therapy can be a way to get us back on track. I offer support and guidance with compassion. I believe in building a non-judgmental relationship with clients in order to reach autonomy, self-awareness, and empowerment.
Therapy can be a way to get us back on track. I offer support and guidance with compassion. I believe in building a non-judgmental relationship with clients in order to reach autonomy, self-awareness, and empowerment.
Margaret Hunter
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Registered Art Therapist and Certified Eating Disorder Creative Arts Therapist. I provide services to individuals, couples, families and groups in the Central Valley. As a LMFT I have worked with: at risk youth and their families, teens and families facing challenges associated with eating disorders, men and women exploring body image concerns, college students (at all ages and stages of life), couples, people of all ages dealing with anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Registered Art Therapist and Certified Eating Disorder Creative Arts Therapist. I provide services to individuals, couples, families and groups in the Central Valley. As a LMFT I have worked with: at risk youth and their families, teens and families facing challenges associated with eating disorders, men and women exploring body image concerns, college students (at all ages and stages of life), couples, people of all ages dealing with anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns.
Becca Ferguson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93301
I enjoy helping individuals and couples from 18 y/o through late adulthood. If you need help improving your life & your relationships, I can give you the tools you need! My clients tell me I am genuine and easy to talk to, and they feel they leave each session with realistic tools to improve their day to day lives. I like to work with a variety of individuals, couples, and families, on trauma, anxiety, depression and other issues, and I specialize in working with individuals with all types of sexual problems such as porn and sex addiction. I also love working with people with intellectual disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
I enjoy helping individuals and couples from 18 y/o through late adulthood. If you need help improving your life & your relationships, I can give you the tools you need! My clients tell me I am genuine and easy to talk to, and they feel they leave each session with realistic tools to improve their day to day lives. I like to work with a variety of individuals, couples, and families, on trauma, anxiety, depression and other issues, and I specialize in working with individuals with all types of sexual problems such as porn and sex addiction. I also love working with people with intellectual disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Jill Erro
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Life is full of challenges, and sometimes such challenges can become overwhelming and impede our daily lives. Are you feeling as though there is a constant cloud of self-doubt, frustration, hurt, anger, shame, etc., looming over you? Do you portray someone who ‘has it all together’, yet you are crumbling on the inside? Or maybe you are feeling completely debilitated by recent events in your life. You do not have to face this all on your own. I offer a safe, compassionate, non-judgmental space for you to express your true feelings.
Life is full of challenges, and sometimes such challenges can become overwhelming and impede our daily lives. Are you feeling as though there is a constant cloud of self-doubt, frustration, hurt, anger, shame, etc., looming over you? Do you portray someone who ‘has it all together’, yet you are crumbling on the inside? Or maybe you are feeling completely debilitated by recent events in your life. You do not have to face this all on your own. I offer a safe, compassionate, non-judgmental space for you to express your true feelings.
Susette Abbas
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Shafter, CA 93263
Hi there, I'm Susette! I have been a therapist for the past 12 years and have worked with adolescents and adults, as well as children and families from diverse backgrounds. My focus has been primarily on depression, anxiety, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, life transitions, and pregnancy/postpartum concerns. y approach to therapy is an integration of the psychodynamic approach with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as mind/body and mindfulness techniques. This essentially means that we would be collaboratively exploring thoughts, beliefs, and personal narratives and adjusting narratives that are false or faulty.
Hi there, I'm Susette! I have been a therapist for the past 12 years and have worked with adolescents and adults, as well as children and families from diverse backgrounds. My focus has been primarily on depression, anxiety, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, life transitions, and pregnancy/postpartum concerns. y approach to therapy is an integration of the psychodynamic approach with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as mind/body and mindfulness techniques. This essentially means that we would be collaboratively exploring thoughts, beliefs, and personal narratives and adjusting narratives that are false or faulty.
Kara Meeks
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93311
Close your eyes, take a deep breath in and exhale. What comes to mind...broken relationships? Feelings of shame and guilt? Depression or anxiety? Intrusive memories? Addiction? Lack of goals or motivation? Welcome to a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore your life experiences, determine how they helped form who you are today, and gain insight to heal core issues. A space to discover your authentic self, living genuinely and with purpose. I would be honored to support you on your journey to healing past wounds and transforming those experiences into empowerment and authenticity.
Close your eyes, take a deep breath in and exhale. What comes to mind...broken relationships? Feelings of shame and guilt? Depression or anxiety? Intrusive memories? Addiction? Lack of goals or motivation? Welcome to a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore your life experiences, determine how they helped form who you are today, and gain insight to heal core issues. A space to discover your authentic self, living genuinely and with purpose. I would be honored to support you on your journey to healing past wounds and transforming those experiences into empowerment and authenticity.
Diamante Maya
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301 (Online Only)
Greetings, I'm Diamante! I am a bilingual Spanish/English licensed clinical social worker in both New York and Texas having worked in the mental health field since 2008. Over the years I've gained experience with people from ages 4 to 70+ from diverse backgrounds and with a variety of mental, emotional, and social challenges. I earned my Bachelors in Sociology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and my Master's in Social Work at Baylor University. I've worked in variety of schools and mental health agencies.
Greetings, I'm Diamante! I am a bilingual Spanish/English licensed clinical social worker in both New York and Texas having worked in the mental health field since 2008. Over the years I've gained experience with people from ages 4 to 70+ from diverse backgrounds and with a variety of mental, emotional, and social challenges. I earned my Bachelors in Sociology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and my Master's in Social Work at Baylor University. I've worked in variety of schools and mental health agencies.
Sarah Anne Edwards
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PhD, EdD
Verified Verified
Pine Mountain Club, CA 93222 (Online Only)
I enjoy working with all types of teens, adults, couples and seniors. To me everyone is unique, interesting and capable even when they feel like their life is at its worst or they are in their darkest times. I believe clients are doing the best they can so counseling should be educational, empowering and at times even fun to achieve their goals. I primarily do cognitive behavioral and supportive therapy, but from my years of practice and training i can draw on a combination of healing approaches to change unwanted circumstances, feelings, thoughts and behaviors as soon and permanently as possible.
I enjoy working with all types of teens, adults, couples and seniors. To me everyone is unique, interesting and capable even when they feel like their life is at its worst or they are in their darkest times. I believe clients are doing the best they can so counseling should be educational, empowering and at times even fun to achieve their goals. I primarily do cognitive behavioral and supportive therapy, but from my years of practice and training i can draw on a combination of healing approaches to change unwanted circumstances, feelings, thoughts and behaviors as soon and permanently as possible.
Dena Barnes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, ATR, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Sometimes, it's hard to know how to change things without the help of someone you trust. Perhaps you are ready to make a change in your life...ready to finally close the gap between the way your life is and the way you would like it to be? I'd like to help you along that journey. My goal is to help each client develop a pathway to achieve inner health, resolve conflicts, and find happiness and wholeness in their lives. Here, you will find an open, safe and empathic space for transformation.
Sometimes, it's hard to know how to change things without the help of someone you trust. Perhaps you are ready to make a change in your life...ready to finally close the gap between the way your life is and the way you would like it to be? I'd like to help you along that journey. My goal is to help each client develop a pathway to achieve inner health, resolve conflicts, and find happiness and wholeness in their lives. Here, you will find an open, safe and empathic space for transformation.
Dr. Heidi Nicole Wolfson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93306
When suffering strikes, it can be helpful to find a framework through which we may understand it, rather than seeing suffering as a random or meaningless event in one’s life. Our suffering may come from the unseen, unfelt parts of our psyche, and/or from an unconscious perspective which only serves to keep us trapped in an outdated narrative. Meaningless suffering is extremely difficult to bear, while on the other hand, it is often astounding to witness how much a person can endure when we begin to make meaning of our suffering, and learn to transform anguish into wisdom and injury into healing.
When suffering strikes, it can be helpful to find a framework through which we may understand it, rather than seeing suffering as a random or meaningless event in one’s life. Our suffering may come from the unseen, unfelt parts of our psyche, and/or from an unconscious perspective which only serves to keep us trapped in an outdated narrative. Meaningless suffering is extremely difficult to bear, while on the other hand, it is often astounding to witness how much a person can endure when we begin to make meaning of our suffering, and learn to transform anguish into wisdom and injury into healing.
Megan Faubus
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301
My "ideal client" doesn't fit one mold. I appreciate meeting and learning about people from all walks of life. I want to work with people who are motivated to make a change in their life, and are open to the experience of therapy.
My "ideal client" doesn't fit one mold. I appreciate meeting and learning about people from all walks of life. I want to work with people who are motivated to make a change in their life, and are open to the experience of therapy.
Veronica Cardona
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309 (Online Only)
The journey through infertility and motherhood can be stressful and lonely. It often requires patience, perseverance, but above all HOPE. I want to empower and support you during this journey. Are you suspecting a problem because you have been trying to get pregnant without success? Have you been diagnosed with "infertility"? Are you considering IVF? Are you struggling with sustaining a pregnancy? Does your heart feel heavy with grief and sorrow over your loss and are ready for relief? Did you recently have a baby and are struggling with postpartum anxiety, depression or simply feeling overwhelmed? Reach out today. I can help you.
The journey through infertility and motherhood can be stressful and lonely. It often requires patience, perseverance, but above all HOPE. I want to empower and support you during this journey. Are you suspecting a problem because you have been trying to get pregnant without success? Have you been diagnosed with "infertility"? Are you considering IVF? Are you struggling with sustaining a pregnancy? Does your heart feel heavy with grief and sorrow over your loss and are ready for relief? Did you recently have a baby and are struggling with postpartum anxiety, depression or simply feeling overwhelmed? Reach out today. I can help you.
Melinda Ann Herndon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
I love working with seniors and women to assist in overcoming obstacles that are keeping them stuck and feeling isolated or burnt out. If you are feeling lost, frustrated, isolated, and overwhelmed please feel free to reach out so we can discuss how to get you back on track.
I love working with seniors and women to assist in overcoming obstacles that are keeping them stuck and feeling isolated or burnt out. If you are feeling lost, frustrated, isolated, and overwhelmed please feel free to reach out so we can discuss how to get you back on track.
See more therapy options for Kern County
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.