Chronic Illness Therapists in Benton County, MN
Kayla Larkin
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
Dealing with chronic pain, illness, autoimmune conditions, or disability can feel isolating, as if you're battling alone and misunderstood. The continuous struggle can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and isolation. My passion lies in supporting individuals through their struggles with anxiety, depression, aging, grief, loss, chronic illness, and trauma. I employ a variety of approaches, including Trauma Focused, Family Systems, and Strengths Based methodologies.
Dealing with chronic pain, illness, autoimmune conditions, or disability can feel isolating, as if you're battling alone and misunderstood. The continuous struggle can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and isolation. My passion lies in supporting individuals through their struggles with anxiety, depression, aging, grief, loss, chronic illness, and trauma. I employ a variety of approaches, including Trauma Focused, Family Systems, and Strengths Based methodologies.
Markie Gohman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Foley, MN 56329
I am passionate about working with individuals and couples (15+) with depression, grief and loss, chronic illness and other medical conditions, high achievers and burnout, caregivers, sports performance.
My approach with clients includes a promise to show up with authenticity, humor, and to create a safe space that will allow you to share your story and, when necessary, challenge you. I work to meet each client where they are in their journey and stand beside you as you work towards healing.
I am passionate about working with individuals and couples (15+) with depression, grief and loss, chronic illness and other medical conditions, high achievers and burnout, caregivers, sports performance.
My approach with clients includes a promise to show up with authenticity, humor, and to create a safe space that will allow you to share your story and, when necessary, challenge you. I work to meet each client where they are in their journey and stand beside you as you work towards healing.
Online Therapists
Emily Hahn-Carlson
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Using a strengths-based approach, we can work on a variety of issues such as life transitions, chronic illness, communication, family conflict, personal identity, trauma, anxiety, depression, or grief.
Life is messy. Relationships can be challenging, family can be overwhelming, demands of daily obligations can drain, or sometimes the path forward may feel uncertain. Therapy can be a way to clarify your situation and restore a sense of control. As your therapist, my role is to make you feel safe, heard, and challenged as needed. Every person is capable, they may just need to learn more effective skills to reach their goals and break free from past cycles. “You’ve always had the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself” – Glinda
Using a strengths-based approach, we can work on a variety of issues such as life transitions, chronic illness, communication, family conflict, personal identity, trauma, anxiety, depression, or grief.
Life is messy. Relationships can be challenging, family can be overwhelming, demands of daily obligations can drain, or sometimes the path forward may feel uncertain. Therapy can be a way to clarify your situation and restore a sense of control. As your therapist, my role is to make you feel safe, heard, and challenged as needed. Every person is capable, they may just need to learn more effective skills to reach their goals and break free from past cycles. “You’ve always had the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself” – Glinda
Heather Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, LAMFT
Verified Verified
Maple Grove, MN 55369
Hello, I'm Heather! I specialize in working with individuals and couples dealing with complex trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and relationship challenges like infidelity, conflict, and adjusting to unexpected circumstances. I have advanced training in trauma and couples therapy. I also have a special interest in supporting individuals and families impacted by chronic illness. In therapy, I take a collaborative approach and believe that the client is an expert in their own life.
Hello, I'm Heather! I specialize in working with individuals and couples dealing with complex trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and relationship challenges like infidelity, conflict, and adjusting to unexpected circumstances. I have advanced training in trauma and couples therapy. I also have a special interest in supporting individuals and families impacted by chronic illness. In therapy, I take a collaborative approach and believe that the client is an expert in their own life.
Branden Phillips
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Coon Rapids, MN 55433 (Online Only)
I've worked with people of all ages across the lifespan. Throughout my career I have worked with people of all ages managing experiences of depression, anxiety, addiction, technology, trauma, and abuse. I am "geek" and LBGTQ+ friendly and have experience with people from diverse cultural, economic, and ethnic backgrounds. I also have extensive experience working with people and families managing chronic illness, hospice and palliative care, and end of life decisions. With affirmation, practical education, and clinical guidance, I help individuals gain personal insights, nurture relationships, and manage difficulties in their lives.
I've worked with people of all ages across the lifespan. Throughout my career I have worked with people of all ages managing experiences of depression, anxiety, addiction, technology, trauma, and abuse. I am "geek" and LBGTQ+ friendly and have experience with people from diverse cultural, economic, and ethnic backgrounds. I also have extensive experience working with people and families managing chronic illness, hospice and palliative care, and end of life decisions. With affirmation, practical education, and clinical guidance, I help individuals gain personal insights, nurture relationships, and manage difficulties in their lives.
Kaitlyn Valdez
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Saint Paul, MN 55102 (Online Only)
Trauma, chronic illness(es), and eating disorders are intense, unique experiences that can change the way we think, respond, and prepare for day-to-day activities. It can also change the way our body functions on a basic level. My goal is to provide a comfortable environment where everyone can explore traumas, create coping skills, and gain self-confidence. It is within a safe, comforting environment that people have the potential to create meaningful change in their lives.
Trauma, chronic illness(es), and eating disorders are intense, unique experiences that can change the way we think, respond, and prepare for day-to-day activities. It can also change the way our body functions on a basic level. My goal is to provide a comfortable environment where everyone can explore traumas, create coping skills, and gain self-confidence. It is within a safe, comforting environment that people have the potential to create meaningful change in their lives.
Karin Lyon
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
I frequently hear my clients say some version of “If people ever knew what I’m struggling with on the inside…” Maybe you're a "people-pleaser" or someone with invisible chronic illness or maybe you're a high functioning individual who manages to hold it all together while feeling like a mess on the inside. If you're searching for some space to be heard and understood and sift through the internal dynamics, I can help.
I frequently hear my clients say some version of “If people ever knew what I’m struggling with on the inside…” Maybe you're a "people-pleaser" or someone with invisible chronic illness or maybe you're a high functioning individual who manages to hold it all together while feeling like a mess on the inside. If you're searching for some space to be heard and understood and sift through the internal dynamics, I can help.
Lisa Watson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MDiv, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Saint Louis Park, MN 55426
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and work primarily with adult individuals and couples in areas of anxiety, depression, parenting, trauma, medical trauma, chronic illness, grief and loss, healthcare workers, infidelity and betrayal. From a 20 year career as a hospital chaplain, I have extensive work with end of life issues, grief and loss, and cultural, religious, racial, economic and gender diversity. I believe in meeting clients where they are at and walking with them on their journey of healing and wholeness.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and work primarily with adult individuals and couples in areas of anxiety, depression, parenting, trauma, medical trauma, chronic illness, grief and loss, healthcare workers, infidelity and betrayal. From a 20 year career as a hospital chaplain, I have extensive work with end of life issues, grief and loss, and cultural, religious, racial, economic and gender diversity. I believe in meeting clients where they are at and walking with them on their journey of healing and wholeness.
Dalton Kalina
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Woodbury, MN 55125
Are you feeling constantly anxious or need help getting through a difficult time in your life? Are you hoping to improve your overall mood and outlook on life? Have you been dealing with grief or a chronic illness? I hope to help you in any of these areas. I will walk side by side with you through your struggles and offer empathy and compassion. My work mainly focusses on adult 18 and older and couples. I thoroughly enjoy getting to know my clients and hope to work with you in the future.
Are you feeling constantly anxious or need help getting through a difficult time in your life? Are you hoping to improve your overall mood and outlook on life? Have you been dealing with grief or a chronic illness? I hope to help you in any of these areas. I will walk side by side with you through your struggles and offer empathy and compassion. My work mainly focusses on adult 18 and older and couples. I thoroughly enjoy getting to know my clients and hope to work with you in the future.
Carolyn Disch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Bloomington, MN 55431
Waitlist for new clients
I have 20 years of experience working with concerns such as anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, ADHD, self-esteem, sexual and gender identity, life transitions, grief and loss, relationship changes/separation, chronic illness, academic challenges, family of origin issues, parenting stress and life balance.
My style as a therapist is authentic, compassionate, warm, non-judgmental and I appreciate the meaningful role of humor. I believe in the strengths of people and in looking for the positives even when they may be difficult to see. Change is inevitable and often stressful, and can be incredibly valuable to our growth. I will listen to you with an open mind and make sure you feel heard. I will partner with you to collaboratively identify goals important to you. I will share with you skills and life practices that will empower you to confidently face challenges as you evolve into the person you strive to be.
I have 20 years of experience working with concerns such as anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, ADHD, self-esteem, sexual and gender identity, life transitions, grief and loss, relationship changes/separation, chronic illness, academic challenges, family of origin issues, parenting stress and life balance.
My style as a therapist is authentic, compassionate, warm, non-judgmental and I appreciate the meaningful role of humor. I believe in the strengths of people and in looking for the positives even when they may be difficult to see. Change is inevitable and often stressful, and can be incredibly valuable to our growth. I will listen to you with an open mind and make sure you feel heard. I will partner with you to collaboratively identify goals important to you. I will share with you skills and life practices that will empower you to confidently face challenges as you evolve into the person you strive to be.
Nicole Cardarella-Gasper
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55412 (Online Only)
"I have found, through painful experience, that the most important step a person can take is always the next one.” -Brandon Sanderson Let me help you take the next step. I enjoy providing therapy for queer folx, chronic illness, nerds, adolescents, young adults, college students, and families. I have special interests in all things nerdy, sex, trauma, and exploring identities (gender, sexuality). I primarily work from a feminist, anti-capitalist, and strength-based perspective. My ideal client wants a strong therapeutic relationship with an affirming and relatable therapist.
"I have found, through painful experience, that the most important step a person can take is always the next one.” -Brandon Sanderson Let me help you take the next step. I enjoy providing therapy for queer folx, chronic illness, nerds, adolescents, young adults, college students, and families. I have special interests in all things nerdy, sex, trauma, and exploring identities (gender, sexuality). I primarily work from a feminist, anti-capitalist, and strength-based perspective. My ideal client wants a strong therapeutic relationship with an affirming and relatable therapist.
Emily (Emy) Horsey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, LICSW
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55408 (Online Only)
Sometimes in life we can feel like we have no control over what is happening, the paths our relationships are taking, or what the future might have in store for us. We can get to a place where we are stuck in a continuous cycle of negative thinking, gloomy feelings, and ineffective behaviors. I provide therapy to individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, life transitions, relationship changes/separation, substance use issues, stress management, academic challenges, sports/performance concerns, chronic illness, sexuality/gender identity issues, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia spectrum, and life balance.
Sometimes in life we can feel like we have no control over what is happening, the paths our relationships are taking, or what the future might have in store for us. We can get to a place where we are stuck in a continuous cycle of negative thinking, gloomy feelings, and ineffective behaviors. I provide therapy to individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, life transitions, relationship changes/separation, substance use issues, stress management, academic challenges, sports/performance concerns, chronic illness, sexuality/gender identity issues, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia spectrum, and life balance.
Jenny Arth
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55409
I'm not able to take new clients at this time! My passion is relationships. I love to explore how systemic and societal power structures influence how we connect with our partners, family members, and friends. I work with couples, families, and individuals in areas such as polyamory, boundaries, personal power, queerness, gender identity, sex and sexuality, trauma, stress, life transitions, chronic illness, and anything else that affects our ability to be authentically and safely ourselves.
I'm not able to take new clients at this time! My passion is relationships. I love to explore how systemic and societal power structures influence how we connect with our partners, family members, and friends. I work with couples, families, and individuals in areas such as polyamory, boundaries, personal power, queerness, gender identity, sex and sexuality, trauma, stress, life transitions, chronic illness, and anything else that affects our ability to be authentically and safely ourselves.
Breana Foley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Saint Louis Park, MN 55426
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and work primarily with adults, children, and couples in areas of anxiety, depression, parenting, trauma, chronic illness, anger management, grief, and loss. I have a background working with kids and adults with various disabilities. I worked as a hospice volunteer so I have a unique ability to help others deal with death and grief.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and work primarily with adults, children, and couples in areas of anxiety, depression, parenting, trauma, chronic illness, anger management, grief, and loss. I have a background working with kids and adults with various disabilities. I worked as a hospice volunteer so I have a unique ability to help others deal with death and grief.
Cara Snyder
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LIMHP, CMSW, LISW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55403 (Online Only)
Change. Anxiety. Feeling stuck. Confusion. Loss. Chronic illness. Depression. Sleep. Relationships. Stress. Life feels like a struggle. Together we will develop a plan that uses evidence-based methods to help you identify and achieve your goals. I value your unique story and am dedicated to helping you stay motivated as you take steps toward improved mental wellness.
Change. Anxiety. Feeling stuck. Confusion. Loss. Chronic illness. Depression. Sleep. Relationships. Stress. Life feels like a struggle. Together we will develop a plan that uses evidence-based methods to help you identify and achieve your goals. I value your unique story and am dedicated to helping you stay motivated as you take steps toward improved mental wellness.
Leah Pillsbury
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Edina, MN 55439 (Online Only)
I also have extensive experience working with individuals who have cancer and/or a chronic illness.
Life throws a lot our way and sometimes it can be hard to know how to handle it all. Most of us were never taught the tools to manage emotional and mental challenges, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Let me help you uncover what’s keeping you from living your best life! I have a unique ability to relate to my clients on a personal level. I view therapy as a collaborative process that can lead to growth. My style includes authenticity, humor, warmth, and provides a safe space for my clients to feel welcomed, heard and validated. I am a safe place to land each week. Let me help carry the weight!
I also have extensive experience working with individuals who have cancer and/or a chronic illness.
Life throws a lot our way and sometimes it can be hard to know how to handle it all. Most of us were never taught the tools to manage emotional and mental challenges, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Let me help you uncover what’s keeping you from living your best life! I have a unique ability to relate to my clients on a personal level. I view therapy as a collaborative process that can lead to growth. My style includes authenticity, humor, warmth, and provides a safe space for my clients to feel welcomed, heard and validated. I am a safe place to land each week. Let me help carry the weight!
Allison Nimlos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Woodbury, MN 55125
My specialty is with people experiencing a chronic illness or health condition. I also enjoy helping individuals with anxiety and stress, boundaries and communication with family, and significant life stressors. I also work with couples on communication, conflict and life transitions, such as parenthood or with a medical diagnosis in the family.
My specialty is with people experiencing a chronic illness or health condition. I also enjoy helping individuals with anxiety and stress, boundaries and communication with family, and significant life stressors. I also work with couples on communication, conflict and life transitions, such as parenthood or with a medical diagnosis in the family.
Jessica Marie Van Berkum
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
I LOVE relational/systems work, including couples, co-parenting, Family of Origin, and families dealing with members suffering with chronic illness.
Hello! My name is Jessica Van Berkum, MA, LMFT. My pronouns are she/her. I am excited to connect with you! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am LGBTQ+ and BIPOC affirming. I work with a variety of client including individuals, couples, and families. I work with clients ages 6 and up.
I LOVE relational/systems work, including couples, co-parenting, Family of Origin, and families dealing with members suffering with chronic illness.
Hello! My name is Jessica Van Berkum, MA, LMFT. My pronouns are she/her. I am excited to connect with you! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am LGBTQ+ and BIPOC affirming. I work with a variety of client including individuals, couples, and families. I work with clients ages 6 and up.
Center for Psychological Growth and Resilience
Psychologist, PsyD, LP
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55410
Hello! We're Dennis, Maddy, Matt, and Korey. We believe that while life is hard, every human being has the potential to surmount stress and strain. Whether you're experiencing burnout, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, chronic illness, cancer, trauma, relationships issues, professional issues, or other concerns, our goal is to help you find meaning, self-respect, growth, and resilience. We're passionate about helping you increase your ability to weather and recover from difficult moments in the future. We'll do this by leveraging your strengths and building your coping skills to help you manage stress and create the life you want.
Hello! We're Dennis, Maddy, Matt, and Korey. We believe that while life is hard, every human being has the potential to surmount stress and strain. Whether you're experiencing burnout, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, chronic illness, cancer, trauma, relationships issues, professional issues, or other concerns, our goal is to help you find meaning, self-respect, growth, and resilience. We're passionate about helping you increase your ability to weather and recover from difficult moments in the future. We'll do this by leveraging your strengths and building your coping skills to help you manage stress and create the life you want.
Rebecca Pihl
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Saint Paul, MN 55114
My areas of focus center around coping with change, chronic stress, and grief & loss--- anxiety & depression, aging, life transition, chronic illness , infertility, caregiving, and parenting are special interests.
Has life brought an overwhelming amount of changes and challenges? Are you seeking help to make peace with the past & find a path through your difficulties? Do you need to explore new ways of approaching life instead of the old patterns? Healing is possible, and as a compassionate and trained listener I will partner with you on your own unique journey toward growth & peace as you face your struggles. A warm & trusting therapy relationship helps you take the risk of exploring, understanding and accepting yourself so that you can open up to new tools for moving forward.
My areas of focus center around coping with change, chronic stress, and grief & loss--- anxiety & depression, aging, life transition, chronic illness , infertility, caregiving, and parenting are special interests.
Has life brought an overwhelming amount of changes and challenges? Are you seeking help to make peace with the past & find a path through your difficulties? Do you need to explore new ways of approaching life instead of the old patterns? Healing is possible, and as a compassionate and trained listener I will partner with you on your own unique journey toward growth & peace as you face your struggles. A warm & trusting therapy relationship helps you take the risk of exploring, understanding and accepting yourself so that you can open up to new tools for moving forward.
See more therapy options for Benton 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.