Chronic Illness Therapists in Midtown, New York, NY

Photo of Amy Parter, Psychologist in Midtown, New York, NY
Amy Parter
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Midtown, New York, NY 10022
My goal as a therapist is to create an open, warm environment where you feel safe and able to explore your authentic self. Whether you are coming to therapy to treat a specific diagnosis, seek support in navigating a life transition, learn to cope with a chronic illness or find more meaning in your life, I will support you in your journey. Utilizing the various modalities in which I have been trained, I will create an integrated and individualized treatment approach to help you become more aware of the patterns in your life and learn the skills to help you meet your goals.
My goal as a therapist is to create an open, warm environment where you feel safe and able to explore your authentic self. Whether you are coming to therapy to treat a specific diagnosis, seek support in navigating a life transition, learn to cope with a chronic illness or find more meaning in your life, I will support you in your journey. Utilizing the various modalities in which I have been trained, I will create an integrated and individualized treatment approach to help you become more aware of the patterns in your life and learn the skills to help you meet your goals.
(718) 550-7058 View (718) 550-7058
Photo of Lauren L Fasanella, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Midtown, New York, NY
Lauren L Fasanella
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Midtown, New York, NY 10022
I am a licensed psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience successfully working with a wide variety of individuals. My passion lies in supporting and helping my clients process difficult times in their lives. Specifically, I can best help with issues like the death of a loved one, acute and chronic illness, life transitions, relationship issues, eating disorders and weight management, self-esteem vulnerabilities, social media confrontations, depression, and general life anxieties. My interactive clinical approach is one that is fully adaptable to my client’s needs.
I am a licensed psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience successfully working with a wide variety of individuals. My passion lies in supporting and helping my clients process difficult times in their lives. Specifically, I can best help with issues like the death of a loved one, acute and chronic illness, life transitions, relationship issues, eating disorders and weight management, self-esteem vulnerabilities, social media confrontations, depression, and general life anxieties. My interactive clinical approach is one that is fully adaptable to my client’s needs.
(646) 960-3238 View (646) 960-3238
Photo of Lili Knighton, Counselor in Midtown, New York, NY
Lili Knighton
Counselor, LMHC, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Midtown, New York, NY 10022  (Online Only)
If you have been diagnosed with a chronic illness, especially an invisible illness or disability, it can be difficult navigating your new normal & finding people who understand that just because "you look ok" doesn't mean you are.
I am currently seeing clients virtually in New York, Florida and California. Don't Stay Stuck in the Yuck! Counseling and Change can feel scary and overwhelming while staying "stuck" where you are can be even more difficult. It takes time to build trust with a therapist, this can be even more difficult if you have been mandated to treatment or had a bad fit with a therapist in the past. I understand this and want you to feel comfortable and empowered in therapy. No matter what you have experienced in your past or what brings you to treatment, you can THRIVE!
If you have been diagnosed with a chronic illness, especially an invisible illness or disability, it can be difficult navigating your new normal & finding people who understand that just because "you look ok" doesn't mean you are.
I am currently seeing clients virtually in New York, Florida and California. Don't Stay Stuck in the Yuck! Counseling and Change can feel scary and overwhelming while staying "stuck" where you are can be even more difficult. It takes time to build trust with a therapist, this can be even more difficult if you have been mandated to treatment or had a bad fit with a therapist in the past. I understand this and want you to feel comfortable and empowered in therapy. No matter what you have experienced in your past or what brings you to treatment, you can THRIVE!
(347) 826-1699 View (347) 826-1699
Photo of Tanya Koifman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Midtown, New York, NY
Tanya Koifman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Midtown, New York, NY 10036  (Online Only)
I support people through a range of life situations including: anxiety, grief/loss, living with chronic illness, dynamic disability, care givers, coming out, college, life transitions, fertility treatments, DCP, parenting, communication issues.
I am a warm, affirming, non-judgmental psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience, and I work with an interactive, humanistic, strengths-based, trauma-informed, HAES-aligned, and transparent, narrative approach. I believe that people have the innate capacity to heal and change. We will work together to develop a deeper understanding of your life goals and perspectives, so that we can custom-tailor techniques to make life most meaningful for you. We will work together toward resolving life challenges by identifying your personal strengths, coping strategies, and by helping you to see things in your life from a different lens.
I support people through a range of life situations including: anxiety, grief/loss, living with chronic illness, dynamic disability, care givers, coming out, college, life transitions, fertility treatments, DCP, parenting, communication issues.
I am a warm, affirming, non-judgmental psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience, and I work with an interactive, humanistic, strengths-based, trauma-informed, HAES-aligned, and transparent, narrative approach. I believe that people have the innate capacity to heal and change. We will work together to develop a deeper understanding of your life goals and perspectives, so that we can custom-tailor techniques to make life most meaningful for you. We will work together toward resolving life challenges by identifying your personal strengths, coping strategies, and by helping you to see things in your life from a different lens.
(646) 798-6332 View (646) 798-6332
Photo of Rochelle Guttman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Midtown, New York, NY
Rochelle Guttman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Midtown, New York, NY 10036
My areas of expertise are couple therapy, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, interpersonal relations, anxiety, coping with chronic illness and dealing with loss and bereavement.
Are you struggling with interpersonal relationships and in your professional life? Do you find yourself repeating past patterns and behaviors that contribute to feelings of low self esteem? I can help you. Together we will explore what gets in the way of your leading a more authentic and meaningful life. My approach is interactive and collaborative. I view each person as a unique individual with his/her own innate strengths and a potential for self-actualization and therapy is tailored accordingly.
My areas of expertise are couple therapy, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, interpersonal relations, anxiety, coping with chronic illness and dealing with loss and bereavement.
Are you struggling with interpersonal relationships and in your professional life? Do you find yourself repeating past patterns and behaviors that contribute to feelings of low self esteem? I can help you. Together we will explore what gets in the way of your leading a more authentic and meaningful life. My approach is interactive and collaborative. I view each person as a unique individual with his/her own innate strengths and a potential for self-actualization and therapy is tailored accordingly.
(718) 673-2596 View (718) 673-2596
Photo of Dr. Rebecca Boswell, Psychologist in Midtown, New York, NY
Dr. Rebecca Boswell
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Midtown, New York, NY 10019  (Online Only)
I work with children, adolescents, college students, and adults, and completed specialized training in psychological treatment for those with chronic illness and/or eating disorders & weight-related concerns.
People often come to a therapist because they want to talk about being anxious, being lonely, feeling depressed, having difficulty in relationships, feeling stressed and burned out, or having a hard time taking care of themselves and others. I aim to help people to reduce symptoms (e.g., anxiety, pain) and, more generally, to engage in personal growth and to foster a more connected, meaningful life by focusing on mind and body wellness. I will work with you to help you cope more effectively; in doing so, I focus on your strengths and potential.
I work with children, adolescents, college students, and adults, and completed specialized training in psychological treatment for those with chronic illness and/or eating disorders & weight-related concerns.
People often come to a therapist because they want to talk about being anxious, being lonely, feeling depressed, having difficulty in relationships, feeling stressed and burned out, or having a hard time taking care of themselves and others. I aim to help people to reduce symptoms (e.g., anxiety, pain) and, more generally, to engage in personal growth and to foster a more connected, meaningful life by focusing on mind and body wellness. I will work with you to help you cope more effectively; in doing so, I focus on your strengths and potential.
(609) 236-7293 View (609) 236-7293
Photo of Megan Lothian, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Midtown, New York, NY
Megan Lothian
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Midtown, New York, NY 10155
I welcome all genders, sexual orientations, races, nationalities, abilities, and body sizes, and specialize in working with those experiencing the impact of interpersonal and complex trauma, chronic illness, disability, & body image difficulties/eating disorders.
I believe there is great value in a curious and non-judgmental exploration of our feelings, thoughts, actions, and relational patterns, in the presence of another person. An interactive and collaborative psychotherapy process can increase empathy for oneself and others, and strengthen ones capacity for making meaningful change, and coping with challenges that arise throughout life.
I welcome all genders, sexual orientations, races, nationalities, abilities, and body sizes, and specialize in working with those experiencing the impact of interpersonal and complex trauma, chronic illness, disability, & body image difficulties/eating disorders.
I believe there is great value in a curious and non-judgmental exploration of our feelings, thoughts, actions, and relational patterns, in the presence of another person. An interactive and collaborative psychotherapy process can increase empathy for oneself and others, and strengthen ones capacity for making meaningful change, and coping with challenges that arise throughout life.
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Photo of Ellyn Gamberg, Counselor in Midtown, New York, NY
Ellyn Gamberg
Counselor, EdD, LMHC, nbcch
Verified Verified
Midtown, New York, NY 10017
My goal as an integrated heath care professional is to treat the whole body; so patients can experience changes in sensation, perception, thought or behavior corresponding to his or their mental or physical health needs. My success in treating chronic illness is founded in the idea that all therapeutic relationships are a partnership of patient and clinician in restoring the body to health. The use of Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy can address a variety of physical and mental health issues in a shorter time; with longer lasting effects.
My goal as an integrated heath care professional is to treat the whole body; so patients can experience changes in sensation, perception, thought or behavior corresponding to his or their mental or physical health needs. My success in treating chronic illness is founded in the idea that all therapeutic relationships are a partnership of patient and clinician in restoring the body to health. The use of Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy can address a variety of physical and mental health issues in a shorter time; with longer lasting effects.
(646) 663-4639 View (646) 663-4639
Photo of Diana Tumminia, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Midtown, New York, NY
Diana Tumminia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R, MARI
Verified Verified
Midtown, New York, NY 10017  (Online Only)
I use my knowledge of health systems to help clients advocate for themselves and process the emotions of chronic illness.
Are you feeling trapped by anxiety, depression or a life crisis? Do you want to break generational cycles and reparent yourself? Do you struggle with chronic health problems, infertility, or transitioning to motherhood? With my experience working in hospital settings, I help clients navigate health systems and find meaning in life with a serious illness. As a maternal mental health specialist, I support clients through the emotional toll of trying to conceive, infertility, and pregnancy. I also specialize in helping clients process damaging childhood experiences and change their patterns for themselves or their children.
I use my knowledge of health systems to help clients advocate for themselves and process the emotions of chronic illness.
Are you feeling trapped by anxiety, depression or a life crisis? Do you want to break generational cycles and reparent yourself? Do you struggle with chronic health problems, infertility, or transitioning to motherhood? With my experience working in hospital settings, I help clients navigate health systems and find meaning in life with a serious illness. As a maternal mental health specialist, I support clients through the emotional toll of trying to conceive, infertility, and pregnancy. I also specialize in helping clients process damaging childhood experiences and change their patterns for themselves or their children.
(917) 512-6821 View (917) 512-6821
Photo of Natalie Schreter, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Midtown, New York, NY
Natalie Schreter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Midtown, New York, NY 10169
As a licensed clinical social worker and private psychotherapist, I am interested in supporting individuals, couples, and families coping with such issues as anxiety, depression, infertility, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I have extensive experience working with those facing chronic illness, end-of-life- challenges, and bereavement and have completed advanced clinical training in family therapy at the Ackerman Institute for the Family. I take a client-centered, relational approach and strive to create a safe, warm, and supportive space for joint exploration, in which clients can feel comfortable exploring and addressing their thoughts and challenges.
As a licensed clinical social worker and private psychotherapist, I am interested in supporting individuals, couples, and families coping with such issues as anxiety, depression, infertility, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I have extensive experience working with those facing chronic illness, end-of-life- challenges, and bereavement and have completed advanced clinical training in family therapy at the Ackerman Institute for the Family. I take a client-centered, relational approach and strive to create a safe, warm, and supportive space for joint exploration, in which clients can feel comfortable exploring and addressing their thoughts and challenges.
(914) 620-2268 View (914) 620-2268
Photo of Meredith Korsen, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Midtown, New York, NY
Meredith Korsen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Midtown, New York, NY 10017
Psychotherapy offers a way to identify one’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors that result from life's naturally occurring challenges. This collaborative work encourages self-awareness and development of new ways of being. While I work with people seeking therapy for a variety of reasons, my specialties include mood disorders, relationship issues, and chronic illness/pain disorders. I integrate motivational, cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based approaches to help each person meet their goals. I also utilize a harm reduction framework to help individuals explore their substance use and identify opportunities for change.
Psychotherapy offers a way to identify one’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors that result from life's naturally occurring challenges. This collaborative work encourages self-awareness and development of new ways of being. While I work with people seeking therapy for a variety of reasons, my specialties include mood disorders, relationship issues, and chronic illness/pain disorders. I integrate motivational, cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based approaches to help each person meet their goals. I also utilize a harm reduction framework to help individuals explore their substance use and identify opportunities for change.
(646) 791-3089 View (646) 791-3089
Photo of Randi Solomon-Nathan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Midtown, New York, NY
Randi Solomon-Nathan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, R
Verified Verified
Midtown, New York, NY 10019  (Online Only)
I have a specialization in helping individuals, families and couples live more successfully with chronic illness and adjust to various stressors. I also have extensive experience treating relationship and family conflicts, challenges of different life stages, depression, anxiety, bereavement, conflicts associated with substance abuse and self-defeating behaviors including when people habitually undermine themselves or find themselves drawn to situations where they will be disappointed, fail or be mistreated. My goal is to help you feel comfortable with the therapeutic process so you can freely discover new alternatives and choices.
I have a specialization in helping individuals, families and couples live more successfully with chronic illness and adjust to various stressors. I also have extensive experience treating relationship and family conflicts, challenges of different life stages, depression, anxiety, bereavement, conflicts associated with substance abuse and self-defeating behaviors including when people habitually undermine themselves or find themselves drawn to situations where they will be disappointed, fail or be mistreated. My goal is to help you feel comfortable with the therapeutic process so you can freely discover new alternatives and choices.
(646) 506-3480 View (646) 506-3480
Photo of Bridget O'Shea Bernstein, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Midtown, New York, NY
Bridget O'Shea Bernstein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Not Verified Not Verified
Midtown, New York, NY 10022  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with attachment/developmental trauma, sexual abuse, addiction, and chronic illness.
I am committed to creating a soft, genuine, relational space for my clients to get to know their inner systems. I have a graduate degree in Social Work, and I am trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS). I have been engaged with the IFS model for over nine years, and it is the primary model I use for psychotherapeutic work. I have assisted as a staff member on three Level 1 IFS trainings, helping other therapists and practitioners learn the model.
I specialize in working with attachment/developmental trauma, sexual abuse, addiction, and chronic illness.
I am committed to creating a soft, genuine, relational space for my clients to get to know their inner systems. I have a graduate degree in Social Work, and I am trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS). I have been engaged with the IFS model for over nine years, and it is the primary model I use for psychotherapeutic work. I have assisted as a staff member on three Level 1 IFS trainings, helping other therapists and practitioners learn the model.
(929) 419-4486 View (929) 419-4486
Photo of Eva Simpson-Abrams in Midtown, New York, NY
Eva Simpson-Abrams
LCAT, MT-BC, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Midtown, New York, NY 10154
Do you struggle with physical bodily sensations that control your life? Are feelings of chronic pain or illness, agitation, fatigue, anxiety, depression, or brain fog familiar to you? Or do you feel completely disconnected from your body, feeling numb or struggling to feel anything at all? You may feel as though you do not understand parts of yourself, but I'm here to remind you that you are not broken. You are a human being trying to live a happy, healthy life. From chronic illness to anxiety, depression, and trauma, I focus on mind-body work for providing relief and helping you feel whole again.
Do you struggle with physical bodily sensations that control your life? Are feelings of chronic pain or illness, agitation, fatigue, anxiety, depression, or brain fog familiar to you? Or do you feel completely disconnected from your body, feeling numb or struggling to feel anything at all? You may feel as though you do not understand parts of yourself, but I'm here to remind you that you are not broken. You are a human being trying to live a happy, healthy life. From chronic illness to anxiety, depression, and trauma, I focus on mind-body work for providing relief and helping you feel whole again.
(631) 910-6731 View (631) 910-6731
Photo of Kelsey Bates, Licensed Professional Counselor in Midtown, New York, NY
Kelsey Bates
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
Midtown, New York, NY 10017  (Online Only)
You are a strong woman feeling overwhelmed navigating complex health issues such as chronic illness, chronic pain, anxiety, infertility or pregnancy loss. You are an intelligent, high achieving woman who is dealing with the grief of a diagnosis, pregnancy after loss, infertility or chronic illness. You are juggling it all: a career, family, a romantic partner, friends, dating and your health. You want to figure out a way to not just survive with women's health issues but to thrive and live your life fully each day. You need support, a place to process your grief and coping skills to walk through this difficult situation.
You are a strong woman feeling overwhelmed navigating complex health issues such as chronic illness, chronic pain, anxiety, infertility or pregnancy loss. You are an intelligent, high achieving woman who is dealing with the grief of a diagnosis, pregnancy after loss, infertility or chronic illness. You are juggling it all: a career, family, a romantic partner, friends, dating and your health. You want to figure out a way to not just survive with women's health issues but to thrive and live your life fully each day. You need support, a place to process your grief and coping skills to walk through this difficult situation.
(202) 618-9881 View (202) 618-9881
Photo of Caitlin Scanlon, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Midtown, New York, NY
Caitlin Scanlon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Midtown, New York, NY 10069  (Online Only)
I specialize in grief and loss, coping with serious/ chronic illness, life transitions, anxiety, perinatal mental health, and caregiver distress/burnout.
I believe that it takes courage to ask for help, and I am here to accompany you on this path. Everything you need is already within you, and together we will develop tools to assist you in harnessing your inner strength in an effort to live your most fulfilling and authentic life. I believe that by working together, we can identify and enhance your strengths while exploring strategies that allow you to address the root causes of your identified challenges and build meaningful social connections.
I specialize in grief and loss, coping with serious/ chronic illness, life transitions, anxiety, perinatal mental health, and caregiver distress/burnout.
I believe that it takes courage to ask for help, and I am here to accompany you on this path. Everything you need is already within you, and together we will develop tools to assist you in harnessing your inner strength in an effort to live your most fulfilling and authentic life. I believe that by working together, we can identify and enhance your strengths while exploring strategies that allow you to address the root causes of your identified challenges and build meaningful social connections.
(914) 268-6133 View (914) 268-6133
Photo of Ciara Diemer, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Midtown, New York, NY
Ciara Diemer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Midtown, New York, NY 10022  (Online Only)
Whether you're navigating grief, managing chronic illness, or simply seeking guidance through life's twists and turns, I am here to walk alongside you, offering my expertise and unwavering support every step of the way.
For over a decade, I've dedicated myself to the field of clinical social work, accumulating a wealth of experience along the way. With compassion as my compass, I've embarked on the profound journey of guiding individuals towards emotional well-being for 11 impactful years. This endeavor has been marked by a commitment to understanding, supporting, and empowering those I serve. Each day, I draw upon my depth of knowledge and genuine empathy to facilitate positive change in the lives of others, fostering resilience and facilitating growth.
Whether you're navigating grief, managing chronic illness, or simply seeking guidance through life's twists and turns, I am here to walk alongside you, offering my expertise and unwavering support every step of the way.
For over a decade, I've dedicated myself to the field of clinical social work, accumulating a wealth of experience along the way. With compassion as my compass, I've embarked on the profound journey of guiding individuals towards emotional well-being for 11 impactful years. This endeavor has been marked by a commitment to understanding, supporting, and empowering those I serve. Each day, I draw upon my depth of knowledge and genuine empathy to facilitate positive change in the lives of others, fostering resilience and facilitating growth.
(518) 840-1270 View (518) 840-1270
Photo of Julia Means, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Midtown, New York, NY
Julia Means
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Midtown, New York, NY 10019
My objective is to support you on your journey to fulfillment, self-actualization, and over time, stability. Through a trauma-informed lens, I work with adult individuals experiencing a variety of social and emotional challenges. I have experience supporting clients with life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief, emerging adulthood, addiction, chronic illness, chronic pain, ADHD, suicidal ideation, family conflict, and relationship issues. In addition, I have a passion for working with the perinatal population including women undergoing a fertility journey, pregnancy, postpartum, or the transition to motherhood.
My objective is to support you on your journey to fulfillment, self-actualization, and over time, stability. Through a trauma-informed lens, I work with adult individuals experiencing a variety of social and emotional challenges. I have experience supporting clients with life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief, emerging adulthood, addiction, chronic illness, chronic pain, ADHD, suicidal ideation, family conflict, and relationship issues. In addition, I have a passion for working with the perinatal population including women undergoing a fertility journey, pregnancy, postpartum, or the transition to motherhood.
(347) 427-5493 View (347) 427-5493
Photo of Shelly White, Psychotherapist, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Midtown, New York, NY
Shelly White, Psychotherapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Midtown, New York, NY 10017
Are you feeling stuck or dealing with a challenging experience? Working with a compassionate, caring therapist can create an environment where change is possible. Together my clients and I work on various issues such as relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, loss and life transitions. Seeking a therapist is a brave first step toward healing. I hope for the opportunity to work together.
Are you feeling stuck or dealing with a challenging experience? Working with a compassionate, caring therapist can create an environment where change is possible. Together my clients and I work on various issues such as relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, loss and life transitions. Seeking a therapist is a brave first step toward healing. I hope for the opportunity to work together.
(646) 760-8821 View (646) 760-8821
Photo of Melissa Masterson Duva, Psychologist in Midtown, New York, NY
Melissa Masterson Duva
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Midtown, New York, NY 10022
My eight years at Memorial Sloan Kettering, has provided a foundation and framework for helping my patients find meaning through life's most difficult transitions and hardships, such as cancer, chronic illness, grief, pregnancy and infertility, divorce, trauma, and relationship challenges.
I view challenges as opportunities for unprecedented growth, development, and enlightenment. As life twists and turns, it's easy to become disconnected from the things that matter most, even the most meaningful aspects of yourself. My approach to therapy is individualized and integrative, I work with you to learn who you are, why you suffer, and where your resilience lies. With this insight, you'll find freedom from regrets of the past, demands and conflicts of the present, and fear of the future. Together we'll draw upon your strengths and help you move through life with a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and authenticity.
My eight years at Memorial Sloan Kettering, has provided a foundation and framework for helping my patients find meaning through life's most difficult transitions and hardships, such as cancer, chronic illness, grief, pregnancy and infertility, divorce, trauma, and relationship challenges.
I view challenges as opportunities for unprecedented growth, development, and enlightenment. As life twists and turns, it's easy to become disconnected from the things that matter most, even the most meaningful aspects of yourself. My approach to therapy is individualized and integrative, I work with you to learn who you are, why you suffer, and where your resilience lies. With this insight, you'll find freedom from regrets of the past, demands and conflicts of the present, and fear of the future. Together we'll draw upon your strengths and help you move through life with a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and authenticity.
(646) 760-6531 View (646) 760-6531

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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.