Chronic Illness Therapists in Watonwan County, MN
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Check out therapists located nearby or offering teletherapy in Minnesota below.Online Therapists
Abbey Wiltzius
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55104
I work with individuals, couples, and families and have experience treating a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, academic motivation and performance, OCD, grief/loss, chronic illness management, relationships, and parenting.
Being a human is not easy. The good news is that we don't have to navigate it alone. Psychotherapy is a partnership that can support and empower you through difficult experiences, find hope, and create a greater sense of meaning and purpose in your life.
I work with individuals, couples, and families and have experience treating a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, academic motivation and performance, OCD, grief/loss, chronic illness management, relationships, and parenting.
Being a human is not easy. The good news is that we don't have to navigate it alone. Psychotherapy is a partnership that can support and empower you through difficult experiences, find hope, and create a greater sense of meaning and purpose in your life.
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.
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.
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.
Leah Bonine
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55415
My areas of professional interest include: anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic illness, chronic pain, sexuality, gender expression, gender identity, chemical dependency/substance use.
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. I work from a trauma-informed, harm reduction, sex positive, attachment-based lens. I specialize in working with adults from diverse backgrounds, particularly the LGBTQ+ community. I see clients for individual therapy. I especially enjoy working with creative people and have a deep understanding of the creative process. I am trained in EMDR, AEDP and DBT.
My areas of professional interest include: anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic illness, chronic pain, sexuality, gender expression, gender identity, chemical dependency/substance use.
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. I work from a trauma-informed, harm reduction, sex positive, attachment-based lens. I specialize in working with adults from diverse backgrounds, particularly the LGBTQ+ community. I see clients for individual therapy. I especially enjoy working with creative people and have a deep understanding of the creative process. I am trained in EMDR, AEDP and DBT.
Molly L Nicholson
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55408
I have the honor of working with people experiencing a wide variety of concerns including: depression; anxiety; grief/loss; life transitions; chronic illness; postpartum depression; sexual abuse; relationship problems; low self-esteem; family of origin; stress and more. My relational approach is based on the belief that within the framework of a trusting relationship with a therapist, clients can explore patterns of behavior and emotions which may relate back to earlier relationships. Once a better understanding of the origins of these patterns is developed, people often find lasting freedom from their hold over their lives.
I have the honor of working with people experiencing a wide variety of concerns including: depression; anxiety; grief/loss; life transitions; chronic illness; postpartum depression; sexual abuse; relationship problems; low self-esteem; family of origin; stress and more. My relational approach is based on the belief that within the framework of a trusting relationship with a therapist, clients can explore patterns of behavior and emotions which may relate back to earlier relationships. Once a better understanding of the origins of these patterns is developed, people often find lasting freedom from their hold over their lives.
Amanda McGovern
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55426
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in evidence-based psychotherapy for adolescents, adults, couples and families. I have an expertise in evaluating and treating anxiety, depression, trauma, current life stressors and transitions, grief, loss, and relationship difficulties. I also have specialized training and experience in working with mental health issues across the female lifecycle, chronic illness, and pain. Before moving to Minnesota, I served as faculty at Weill Cornell Medical Center and Columbia University Medical Center in New York and Case Western School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio.
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in evidence-based psychotherapy for adolescents, adults, couples and families. I have an expertise in evaluating and treating anxiety, depression, trauma, current life stressors and transitions, grief, loss, and relationship difficulties. I also have specialized training and experience in working with mental health issues across the female lifecycle, chronic illness, and pain. Before moving to Minnesota, I served as faculty at Weill Cornell Medical Center and Columbia University Medical Center in New York and Case Western School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio.
Xavier Schmitz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55417
Waitlist for new clients
Issues addressed may include: depression, anxiety, fear of exercising outdoors, trauma recovery, climate distress, gender identity, relationship concerns, sexuality, identity development, chronic illness, and life transitions.
Whether you’re a nature lover or nature avoider, love to move your body or can’t stand to break a sweat, this therapy is for you. With today’s stressors, we all need nature more than ever. Take your therapy outdoors and gain the benefits of moving your eyes off the screen, engaging your senses, and really feeling your body in nature...all while addressing your personal goals.
Issues addressed may include: depression, anxiety, fear of exercising outdoors, trauma recovery, climate distress, gender identity, relationship concerns, sexuality, identity development, chronic illness, and life transitions.
Whether you’re a nature lover or nature avoider, love to move your body or can’t stand to break a sweat, this therapy is for you. With today’s stressors, we all need nature more than ever. Take your therapy outdoors and gain the benefits of moving your eyes off the screen, engaging your senses, and really feeling your body in nature...all while addressing your personal goals.
Loni A Fagel
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, MEd, LPCC
Verified Verified
Golden Valley, MN 55426
I specialize in working with individuals ages 15 and older experiencing grief and loss, chronic illness and medical issues including cancer, trauma and stress related issues, significant life changes, anxiety, depression, performance anxiety, relationship conflicts, and spiritual and identity concerns. My mission is to help people heal from their emotional wounds and cope with their life challenges, using creative and evidence-based approaches.
I specialize in working with individuals ages 15 and older experiencing grief and loss, chronic illness and medical issues including cancer, trauma and stress related issues, significant life changes, anxiety, depression, performance anxiety, relationship conflicts, and spiritual and identity concerns. My mission is to help people heal from their emotional wounds and cope with their life challenges, using creative and evidence-based approaches.
Brittni Ingvaldson
MA, LADC, CTALC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Savage, MN 55378
I am passionate about working with adolescents & adults that identify as female, male & LGBTQIA+ who are struggling with eating disorders/body image(HAES informed), anxiety, depression, self-esteem,identity development, life-transitions, bullying, self-injurious behaviors, abuse, co-occurring disorders, addictions, chronic illness & medical traumas.
I provide individuals with a safe and non-judgmental space where feelings of all kinds are received and validated, a trusted therapeutic relationship can be shared, and healing and self-discovery can happen! I want to support individuals in rediscovering their true authentic self through empowering individuals to explore,challenge,and invest in their healing. My client-centered approaches use a variety of evidence based therapeutic modalities that support individualized healing on all levels.
I am passionate about working with adolescents & adults that identify as female, male & LGBTQIA+ who are struggling with eating disorders/body image(HAES informed), anxiety, depression, self-esteem,identity development, life-transitions, bullying, self-injurious behaviors, abuse, co-occurring disorders, addictions, chronic illness & medical traumas.
I provide individuals with a safe and non-judgmental space where feelings of all kinds are received and validated, a trusted therapeutic relationship can be shared, and healing and self-discovery can happen! I want to support individuals in rediscovering their true authentic self through empowering individuals to explore,challenge,and invest in their healing. My client-centered approaches use a variety of evidence based therapeutic modalities that support individualized healing on all levels.
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.
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!
Stacey M. Allen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CCLS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chaska, MN 55318
Stacey provides therapy services to health workers, individuals, families, couples, teens, and children who are living with cancer, chronic illness, medical issues, or grief, personally or in their close circle. Stacey has served families around medical concerns in many contexts including 10 years in group private practice, as a Child Life Specialist in local hospitals, 8 years of weekly support groups at Gilda's Club for adults living with cancer, grief support groups, and speaking engagements. Stacey assists clients during long and short term illness, through post-treatment, in the event of terminal diagnosis, and through grief.
Stacey provides therapy services to health workers, individuals, families, couples, teens, and children who are living with cancer, chronic illness, medical issues, or grief, personally or in their close circle. Stacey has served families around medical concerns in many contexts including 10 years in group private practice, as a Child Life Specialist in local hospitals, 8 years of weekly support groups at Gilda's Club for adults living with cancer, grief support groups, and speaking engagements. Stacey assists clients during long and short term illness, through post-treatment, in the event of terminal diagnosis, and through grief.
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.
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.
Maureen Trefethren
Counselor, MA, NCC, LPCC
Verified Verified
Saint Louis Park, MN 55426 (Online Only)
I feel that understanding how health concerns and physical symptoms can show up hand in hand with mental health struggles is incredibly valuable. I believe that the better you understand how your body and mind interact, the more ability you will have to control symptoms. I have been trained to work with trauma, substance abuse, PTSD, chronic illness, family systems, couples, children, groups & individuals. My unique background in medicine also helps in working with individuals with chronic illness as well as individuals from the military, emergency services & medical personnel.
I feel that understanding how health concerns and physical symptoms can show up hand in hand with mental health struggles is incredibly valuable. I believe that the better you understand how your body and mind interact, the more ability you will have to control symptoms. I have been trained to work with trauma, substance abuse, PTSD, chronic illness, family systems, couples, children, groups & individuals. My unique background in medicine also helps in working with individuals with chronic illness as well as individuals from the military, emergency services & medical personnel.
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.
Andrea Adams
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Maple Grove, MN 55369 (Online Only)
My passions are the aging population and issues related to life’s transitions including retirement and life after “work”; divorce and financial changes; aging and acceptance; chronic illness; hoarding and overconsumption; and career changes.
With over twenty years in Corporate Human Resources, I am gradually transitioning my career to become a Holistic Therapist, empowering others to live their best lives. I have a Bachelor’s in English Literature, a master’s Certificate in Holistic Health from St. Catherine’s University, finishing my master's in Clinic Mental Health Counseling at Adler University, my Yoga Teacher Training certification as well as training in recovery yoga, career coaching and a wealth of firsthand experiences that have led me to this career change.
My passions are the aging population and issues related to life’s transitions including retirement and life after “work”; divorce and financial changes; aging and acceptance; chronic illness; hoarding and overconsumption; and career changes.
With over twenty years in Corporate Human Resources, I am gradually transitioning my career to become a Holistic Therapist, empowering others to live their best lives. I have a Bachelor’s in English Literature, a master’s Certificate in Holistic Health from St. Catherine’s University, finishing my master's in Clinic Mental Health Counseling at Adler University, my Yoga Teacher Training certification as well as training in recovery yoga, career coaching and a wealth of firsthand experiences that have led me to this career change.
Marjorie Keyes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Edina, MN 55435
My areas of expertise include the treatment of: trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, addiction, chronic pain/chronic illness.
I am a licensed independent clinical social worker with 20 years of experience working with adults throughout the lifespan. More people than ever are experiencing issues related to burnout, isolation, loneliness, illness and trauma. Sometimes it is too difficult to address these issues alone. My work is client centered and relational. I work to partner with you to help you build resilience and increase your own sense of wellness. Additionally, I view my work through the lens of social justice, cultural humility and neurobiology ( mind/body connection).
My areas of expertise include the treatment of: trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, addiction, chronic pain/chronic illness.
I am a licensed independent clinical social worker with 20 years of experience working with adults throughout the lifespan. More people than ever are experiencing issues related to burnout, isolation, loneliness, illness and trauma. Sometimes it is too difficult to address these issues alone. My work is client centered and relational. I work to partner with you to help you build resilience and increase your own sense of wellness. Additionally, I view my work through the lens of social justice, cultural humility and neurobiology ( mind/body connection).
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.