Therapists in Fairfield County, CT
Anne Dutton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RYT 500, C-IAYT
Verified Verified
Fairfield, CT 06824
Not accepting new clients
Psychotherapy is a collaboration between therapist and client. It makes use of the strengths, resources and goals of the client and the supportive attunement, non-judgmental perspective, training and experience of the therapist. Many of my clients come to me because they want to incorporate mindfulness and somatic therapies with talk therapy in order to work more effectively with anxiety, depression, pain and other challenges in which the body is implicated.
Psychotherapy is a collaboration between therapist and client. It makes use of the strengths, resources and goals of the client and the supportive attunement, non-judgmental perspective, training and experience of the therapist. Many of my clients come to me because they want to incorporate mindfulness and somatic therapies with talk therapy in order to work more effectively with anxiety, depression, pain and other challenges in which the body is implicated.
See more therapy options for Fairfield 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.