Chronic Illness Therapists in McLean, VA
I work with adults struggling to navigate anxiety, depression, chronic illness, and times of significant life stress and transition, looking to discover their identities and a sense of meaning and purpose. I also provide strengths-based neuropsychological evaluations to enable my clients to develop an in-depth understanding of how their thinking abilities, emotions, and behaviors impact daily functioning, and to promote healthy insight, growth, and positive outcomes.
I work with adults struggling to navigate anxiety, depression, chronic illness, and times of significant life stress and transition, looking to discover their identities and a sense of meaning and purpose. I also provide strengths-based neuropsychological evaluations to enable my clients to develop an in-depth understanding of how their thinking abilities, emotions, and behaviors impact daily functioning, and to promote healthy insight, growth, and positive outcomes.
For clients dealing with chronic illness, we find ways to reduce symptoms and increase enjoyment in life.
I believe that everyone has the ability to heal, learn, and thrive in the face of life's inevitable challenges. I provide individualized, compassionate care using techniques that are skills- focused and evidence-based. In my practice, these approaches have proven helpful for people struggling with medical issues such as neurological disorders, chronic pain, or fatigue and other symptoms related to physical imbalances. Many of my clients are also facing relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, a major life transition, or a recent loss. I help individuals and couples to create more vital, balanced, and meaningful lives.
For clients dealing with chronic illness, we find ways to reduce symptoms and increase enjoyment in life.
I believe that everyone has the ability to heal, learn, and thrive in the face of life's inevitable challenges. I provide individualized, compassionate care using techniques that are skills- focused and evidence-based. In my practice, these approaches have proven helpful for people struggling with medical issues such as neurological disorders, chronic pain, or fatigue and other symptoms related to physical imbalances. Many of my clients are also facing relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, a major life transition, or a recent loss. I help individuals and couples to create more vital, balanced, and meaningful lives.
Crystal Chafin
Resident in Marriage and Family Therapy, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McLean, VA 22101
I also really enjoy working with those who have chronic illness, as I've experienced this first hand.
You tell yourself "I just can't do this anymore" and somehow, you push through the pain and the hurt and you carry on, but only living as an empty shell of who you once were. If it seems like in your relationship, you never talk, and the times you do talk, turn into fights; there is hope. If you or a someone you care about struggles with the ups and downs of substances use; there is hope. If you have been given news of a terminal or life-debilitating illness that has literally taken the breath from your lungs; there is hope. I would be honored if you allowed me to help you find that hope.
I also really enjoy working with those who have chronic illness, as I've experienced this first hand.
You tell yourself "I just can't do this anymore" and somehow, you push through the pain and the hurt and you carry on, but only living as an empty shell of who you once were. If it seems like in your relationship, you never talk, and the times you do talk, turn into fights; there is hope. If you or a someone you care about struggles with the ups and downs of substances use; there is hope. If you have been given news of a terminal or life-debilitating illness that has literally taken the breath from your lungs; there is hope. I would be honored if you allowed me to help you find that hope.
My hope is to make therapy accessible to those who would not otherwise engage in this process due to long commutes, child-care challenges, work-related travel, physical disabilities or chronic illness.
Clients who work with me learn to better understand their emotional triggers, work to overcome life’s setbacks, manage stress more productively, communicate with others more effectively, and set healthy boundaries. My approach involves getting to know each of my clients, beyond what has brought them into therapy. I seek to understand what your goals are for this journey, and we together discuss how I can support you in working on what can be changed, and learning to cope with people and situations that we cannot change.
My hope is to make therapy accessible to those who would not otherwise engage in this process due to long commutes, child-care challenges, work-related travel, physical disabilities or chronic illness.
Clients who work with me learn to better understand their emotional triggers, work to overcome life’s setbacks, manage stress more productively, communicate with others more effectively, and set healthy boundaries. My approach involves getting to know each of my clients, beyond what has brought them into therapy. I seek to understand what your goals are for this journey, and we together discuss how I can support you in working on what can be changed, and learning to cope with people and situations that we cannot change.
Victoria Yeboah
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LGSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
McLean, VA 22101 (Online Only)
I support adults and teens navigating exploring or accepting a self-identity, sadness, worry, chronic illness, concentration or procrastination, adjustment to changes in family structure, career or school elated stressors, life transitions, family-of-origin relationship, caretaker stress, codependency and more. Together we will identify some of your strengths and leverage them toward change. We'll process past or ongoing experiences that cause or maintain anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, ASD and more. We'll collaboratively identify appropriate strategies to alleviate or eliminate these difficulties and symptoms.
I support adults and teens navigating exploring or accepting a self-identity, sadness, worry, chronic illness, concentration or procrastination, adjustment to changes in family structure, career or school elated stressors, life transitions, family-of-origin relationship, caretaker stress, codependency and more. Together we will identify some of your strengths and leverage them toward change. We'll process past or ongoing experiences that cause or maintain anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, ASD and more. We'll collaboratively identify appropriate strategies to alleviate or eliminate these difficulties and symptoms.
Across Counseling: Psychotherapy Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
McLean, VA 22101
Diane Bowers, adults,English/Spanish, substance use & recovery, domestic violence survivors, anger management, LGBTQ, transgender womens group Nellis Crigler, adults - English/Spanish, grief, trauma, cancer & chronic illness, aging & caregiving.
Do you feel anxious, stressed, confused, sad, worried or irritable, or just are not feeling your best. Are you having problems in a relationship or with parenting? We help people find solutions to troubling problems. Give me a call and we can talk about how we might help you to feel good and enjoy life again and answer your questions. Our therapists offer many different specialties and we tailor our approach to each client's individual needs. I am Anne Ross, clinical director and I will help find the best fit for you . I can be reached at Director@AcrossCounseling.com or 703-389-1913
Diane Bowers, adults,English/Spanish, substance use & recovery, domestic violence survivors, anger management, LGBTQ, transgender womens group Nellis Crigler, adults - English/Spanish, grief, trauma, cancer & chronic illness, aging & caregiving.
Do you feel anxious, stressed, confused, sad, worried or irritable, or just are not feeling your best. Are you having problems in a relationship or with parenting? We help people find solutions to troubling problems. Give me a call and we can talk about how we might help you to feel good and enjoy life again and answer your questions. Our therapists offer many different specialties and we tailor our approach to each client's individual needs. I am Anne Ross, clinical director and I will help find the best fit for you . I can be reached at Director@AcrossCounseling.com or 703-389-1913
Julia Baumgardner Chung
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
McLean, VA 22101
My specialties include grief and loss, health psychology for chronic illness, mind/body and experiential treatment of chronic pain and physical symptoms, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
Congratulations on taking the first step toward a major life change! The decision to begin counseling is an immense gesture of self love and courage. Finding the right fit is so important to the therapeutic process. Whatever brings you here - the loss of a loved one, a major life transition, troubling relationship patterns, chronic illness or pain, or feeling stuck and confused about the future - will be explored with openness, curiosity, and acceptance. Things can feel easier, when explored without shame or judgment. I believe that we all have the innate ability to heal with the right connection and understanding.
My specialties include grief and loss, health psychology for chronic illness, mind/body and experiential treatment of chronic pain and physical symptoms, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
Congratulations on taking the first step toward a major life change! The decision to begin counseling is an immense gesture of self love and courage. Finding the right fit is so important to the therapeutic process. Whatever brings you here - the loss of a loved one, a major life transition, troubling relationship patterns, chronic illness or pain, or feeling stuck and confused about the future - will be explored with openness, curiosity, and acceptance. Things can feel easier, when explored without shame or judgment. I believe that we all have the innate ability to heal with the right connection and understanding.
My work spans the spectrum of research, therapy, and community services. I have supported teens and adults navigate chronic illness, depression, life transitions and anxiety. I am deeply passionate about peri/postnatal mental health equity and working with those navigating the complexities of pregnancy/ postpartum. I have a passion for making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and couples. As such, I strive to create an understanding and welcoming space to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including BIPOC and LGTBQIA+, in order to explore the experience of minority stress and trauma.
My work spans the spectrum of research, therapy, and community services. I have supported teens and adults navigate chronic illness, depression, life transitions and anxiety. I am deeply passionate about peri/postnatal mental health equity and working with those navigating the complexities of pregnancy/ postpartum. I have a passion for making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and couples. As such, I strive to create an understanding and welcoming space to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including BIPOC and LGTBQIA+, in order to explore the experience of minority stress and trauma.
Chelsey Barrios Foster
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McLean, VA 22102 (Online Only)
I provide therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. I have expertise in treating anxiety, depression, OCD, adjustment difficulties, ADHD, emotion dysregulation, coping with health issues and chronic illness, and stress-related disorders across the lifespan. I also specialize in women’s mental health and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. I further specialize in working with college students and young adults (20's and 30's) through life transitions and identity development. In addition, I consult with parents to develop strategies to support their children, and enact lasting change in the home.
I provide therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. I have expertise in treating anxiety, depression, OCD, adjustment difficulties, ADHD, emotion dysregulation, coping with health issues and chronic illness, and stress-related disorders across the lifespan. I also specialize in women’s mental health and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. I further specialize in working with college students and young adults (20's and 30's) through life transitions and identity development. In addition, I consult with parents to develop strategies to support their children, and enact lasting change in the home.
Marriage can be Joyful or Disappointing - I find it's usually not the Marriage, but the Two People in it! As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, I have worked with couples for over 40 years to restore their marriage & to meet their own individual needs. Trauma, infidelity, arguments, in-laws, parenting, depression, grief, chronic illness, substance abuse takes its toll. With a focused interview of the couple & each spouse I quickly analyze and discover where the Real Issues lie. With a collaborative approach, we can unwind years of wounds & scars and begin to rebuild a mutually secure and satisfying relationship for you.
Marriage can be Joyful or Disappointing - I find it's usually not the Marriage, but the Two People in it! As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, I have worked with couples for over 40 years to restore their marriage & to meet their own individual needs. Trauma, infidelity, arguments, in-laws, parenting, depression, grief, chronic illness, substance abuse takes its toll. With a focused interview of the couple & each spouse I quickly analyze and discover where the Real Issues lie. With a collaborative approach, we can unwind years of wounds & scars and begin to rebuild a mutually secure and satisfying relationship for you.
As a licensed psychologist, Dr. Ramsey specializes in supporting children, adolescents, and young adults who are facing traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Ramsey also partners with children and families who are navigating chronic physical health conditions such as POTS, IBD, and type 1 diabetes. She introduces developmentally appropriate skills intended to improve short-term coping and promote long-term resilience. She often works closely with patients’ caregivers to bolster their efforts to provide effective and validating support.
As a licensed psychologist, Dr. Ramsey specializes in supporting children, adolescents, and young adults who are facing traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Ramsey also partners with children and families who are navigating chronic physical health conditions such as POTS, IBD, and type 1 diabetes. She introduces developmentally appropriate skills intended to improve short-term coping and promote long-term resilience. She often works closely with patients’ caregivers to bolster their efforts to provide effective and validating support.
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I specialize in working with individuals of all ages who are navigating illness, grief, loss, trauma, and professional burnout. My passion for supporting children, teens, young adults and families impacted by a life-limiting medical diagnosis is informed by the years I spent as a pediatric social worker. In my bereavement work, I support clients affected by all manner of death, with a particular focus on grief after the death of a parent, young child or sibling.
I specialize in working with individuals of all ages who are navigating illness, grief, loss, trauma, and professional burnout. My passion for supporting children, teens, young adults and families impacted by a life-limiting medical diagnosis is informed by the years I spent as a pediatric social worker. In my bereavement work, I support clients affected by all manner of death, with a particular focus on grief after the death of a parent, young child or sibling.
Lee Phillips
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, EdD, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW, CST
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
McLean, VA 22101
Do you struggle with feeling disconnected from yourself and others? Do you put your needs at the bottom of the to-do list? Do you wonder if life should feel somehow better? Happier? No more than ever, people feel anxious, overwhelmed, and uncertain about managing their relationships, careers, and lives. Pushing away your needs and not taking time for yourself can lead to long-term issues for your mind and body. It shouldn't be so hard to live a better life. I am dedicated to helping my clients achieve the goals they wish to accomplish. My clients describe me as warm and honest.
Do you struggle with feeling disconnected from yourself and others? Do you put your needs at the bottom of the to-do list? Do you wonder if life should feel somehow better? Happier? No more than ever, people feel anxious, overwhelmed, and uncertain about managing their relationships, careers, and lives. Pushing away your needs and not taking time for yourself can lead to long-term issues for your mind and body. It shouldn't be so hard to live a better life. I am dedicated to helping my clients achieve the goals they wish to accomplish. My clients describe me as warm and honest.
Melania Kim
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
McLean, VA 22101 (Online Only)
I am committed to providing a safe and welcoming therapeutic place where you can express feelings, find hope, make peace, while looking to make a change in your life. I believe you have the power to be your own best self and live a full and meaningful life. Together we can develop concrete solutions to empower you to build confidence in the person you were born to be or rewrite a better day. Change can happen to decrease anxiety, depression; planning increases productivity; and new options can be viewed to move away from negative choices. Relationships can improve by learning how to communicate effectively.
I am committed to providing a safe and welcoming therapeutic place where you can express feelings, find hope, make peace, while looking to make a change in your life. I believe you have the power to be your own best self and live a full and meaningful life. Together we can develop concrete solutions to empower you to build confidence in the person you were born to be or rewrite a better day. Change can happen to decrease anxiety, depression; planning increases productivity; and new options can be viewed to move away from negative choices. Relationships can improve by learning how to communicate effectively.
Anna White
Marriage & Family Therapist, LCMFT, CFTP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
McLean, VA 22101 (Online Only)
Among families, kids, adults, and couples alike, feeling healthy, happy, connected, and confident can be hard. For so many people and families today, the pressures of the world, fast changes in life, and challenging or traumatic experiences interrupt the connections we wish to have. Maybe for you or your family, this means more and more conflicts, feeling alone and unsupported, being unsure how to make things better, or not knowing what you want or need. Whether you feel lost and disconnected, frustrated, overwhelmed, angry, scared, or lonely, there are ways to restore your feelings of connection, purpose, confidence, and direction.
Among families, kids, adults, and couples alike, feeling healthy, happy, connected, and confident can be hard. For so many people and families today, the pressures of the world, fast changes in life, and challenging or traumatic experiences interrupt the connections we wish to have. Maybe for you or your family, this means more and more conflicts, feeling alone and unsupported, being unsure how to make things better, or not knowing what you want or need. Whether you feel lost and disconnected, frustrated, overwhelmed, angry, scared, or lonely, there are ways to restore your feelings of connection, purpose, confidence, and direction.
I am a clinical psychologist specializing in health psychology in adults, which means I work with you in the overlap between your physical health and your mental health. My professional experience has included working with individuals managing chronic illnesses such as HIV or multiple sclerosis, chronic pain disorders, life altering disability, and reproductive health challenges. I also provide psychological evaluations and clearances for medical procedures such as bariatric surgery, solid organ transplant, spinal cord stimulators, and gender affirming care.
I am a clinical psychologist specializing in health psychology in adults, which means I work with you in the overlap between your physical health and your mental health. My professional experience has included working with individuals managing chronic illnesses such as HIV or multiple sclerosis, chronic pain disorders, life altering disability, and reproductive health challenges. I also provide psychological evaluations and clearances for medical procedures such as bariatric surgery, solid organ transplant, spinal cord stimulators, and gender affirming care.
Accepting new clients. Navigating mental health challenges can be overwhelming. Does your teenager need strategies to handle anxiety, depression, ADHD, or tics/Tourette Syndrome? Does your toddler need help with sleep, behavior, tantrums, toileting, or eating? Does your child need help adjusting to big changes: a new school, problems with friends, divorce, or a new and confusing medical diagnosis like diabetes, epilepsy, or migraines? Or perhaps you just need a place to talk, process, and grow? I have helped families navigate these challenges and more, creating space for positivity, warmth, gratitude, flexibility, and bravery.
Accepting new clients. Navigating mental health challenges can be overwhelming. Does your teenager need strategies to handle anxiety, depression, ADHD, or tics/Tourette Syndrome? Does your toddler need help with sleep, behavior, tantrums, toileting, or eating? Does your child need help adjusting to big changes: a new school, problems with friends, divorce, or a new and confusing medical diagnosis like diabetes, epilepsy, or migraines? Or perhaps you just need a place to talk, process, and grow? I have helped families navigate these challenges and more, creating space for positivity, warmth, gratitude, flexibility, and bravery.
Dr. Leso encourages clients to explore and achieve their personal best, leveraging strengths in a collaborative, goal-oriented approach. Using CBT, mindfulness techniques and EMDR, he helps clients heal and grow through a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship problems, bereavement and other life transitions. He is experienced in LGBT+ issues, speaks Spanish as a second language and has specialized training in cross cultural psychology. He is also an EMDRIA approved EMDR Therapist. Dedicated to the truth that mind and body are one thing, Dr. Leso also has experience as a registered yoga teacher.
Dr. Leso encourages clients to explore and achieve their personal best, leveraging strengths in a collaborative, goal-oriented approach. Using CBT, mindfulness techniques and EMDR, he helps clients heal and grow through a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship problems, bereavement and other life transitions. He is experienced in LGBT+ issues, speaks Spanish as a second language and has specialized training in cross cultural psychology. He is also an EMDRIA approved EMDR Therapist. Dedicated to the truth that mind and body are one thing, Dr. Leso also has experience as a registered yoga teacher.
Brian Jacobs
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
McLean, VA 22101
My treatment approach combines the latest advances in Western neuroscience with evidence-based mindfulness practices rooted in Eastern philosophies. I primarily utilize two complementary modalities - Experiential Dynamic Therapy (EDT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). These are evidenced based and trauma-informed treatments that aim to address the root causes of psychological suffering rather than simply addressing the outlying symptoms.
My treatment approach combines the latest advances in Western neuroscience with evidence-based mindfulness practices rooted in Eastern philosophies. I primarily utilize two complementary modalities - Experiential Dynamic Therapy (EDT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). These are evidenced based and trauma-informed treatments that aim to address the root causes of psychological suffering rather than simply addressing the outlying symptoms.
Im a licensed psychologist offering therapy to adults and couples. You may be feeling overwhelmed with stress, grief or unhappy with your relationships. I believe that our early relationships profoundly impact our view of self and expectations of others. We often get into a pattern of relationships that are stressful and challenging. Life is also full of external stress that can impact our feelings of satisfaction and joy. I am warm, supportive and will work with you to identify your goals for treatment. I am passionate about my work and feel privileged to witness the growth and recovery that therapy provides.
Im a licensed psychologist offering therapy to adults and couples. You may be feeling overwhelmed with stress, grief or unhappy with your relationships. I believe that our early relationships profoundly impact our view of self and expectations of others. We often get into a pattern of relationships that are stressful and challenging. Life is also full of external stress that can impact our feelings of satisfaction and joy. I am warm, supportive and will work with you to identify your goals for treatment. I am passionate about my work and feel privileged to witness the growth and recovery that therapy provides.
See more therapy options for McLean
Nearby Chronic Illness Therapists Searches for McLean
- Alexandria
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- Great Falls
- Herndon
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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.