Chronic Illness Therapists in Washington, DC
Katie Blumenthal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, PMH-C
5 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
I believe that the foundation of successful therapeutic work is forming strong, collaborative relationships with my clients. This emphasis is essential when tackling complex problems and stressors. I join with clients to heal from trauma, build emotional skills and resilience, and gain insight into relationships and events, both past and present. I challenge clients to integrate skills gained in sessions into their daily lives and we review progress and adjust the clinical approach as needed.
I believe that the foundation of successful therapeutic work is forming strong, collaborative relationships with my clients. This emphasis is essential when tackling complex problems and stressors. I join with clients to heal from trauma, build emotional skills and resilience, and gain insight into relationships and events, both past and present. I challenge clients to integrate skills gained in sessions into their daily lives and we review progress and adjust the clinical approach as needed.
We specialize in working with adults experiencing psychological challenges including depression, anxiety & trauma. We also see individuals presenting with concerns related to relationship difficulties, life transitions, identity challenges, perfectionism, reduced self-esteem & difficulty connecting with a sense of purpose. Additionally, we offer specialized services to support individuals better cope with & heal from chronic and acute medical conditions. Please feel free to visit our website to learn more about our psychologists & our approach to enhancing mind-body wellbeing.
We specialize in working with adults experiencing psychological challenges including depression, anxiety & trauma. We also see individuals presenting with concerns related to relationship difficulties, life transitions, identity challenges, perfectionism, reduced self-esteem & difficulty connecting with a sense of purpose. Additionally, we offer specialized services to support individuals better cope with & heal from chronic and acute medical conditions. Please feel free to visit our website to learn more about our psychologists & our approach to enhancing mind-body wellbeing.
I specialize in working with individuals ages 13 and up who are navigating illness, grief, loss, and/or trauma. My passion for supporting clients impacted by a life-limiting medical diagnosis is informed by the years I've spent as a medical social worker.
My training and experience in palliative care, hospice and grief counseling have equipped me to accompany my clients and their families regardless of where their illness trajectory may lead. In my bereavement work, I support clients affected by all manner of death, with a particular focus on grief after the death of a young child, sibling or parent.
I specialize in working with individuals ages 13 and up who are navigating illness, grief, loss, and/or trauma. My passion for supporting clients impacted by a life-limiting medical diagnosis is informed by the years I've spent as a medical social worker.
My training and experience in palliative care, hospice and grief counseling have equipped me to accompany my clients and their families regardless of where their illness trajectory may lead. In my bereavement work, I support clients affected by all manner of death, with a particular focus on grief after the death of a young child, sibling or parent.
I have experience supporting individuals and couples through life’s challenges, including anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship issues, and workplace stress. Choosing a therapist is a big step, and I’m honored you’re considering working with me. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing, I’ll help you explore your goals, build new skills, and create meaningful change. Together, we’ll work towards a stronger, more empowered version of ourselves. Let’s start this journey—you don’t have to do it alone.
I have experience supporting individuals and couples through life’s challenges, including anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship issues, and workplace stress. Choosing a therapist is a big step, and I’m honored you’re considering working with me. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing, I’ll help you explore your goals, build new skills, and create meaningful change. Together, we’ll work towards a stronger, more empowered version of ourselves. Let’s start this journey—you don’t have to do it alone.
With 17 years of hospital experience, I specialize in therapy for those navigating trauma, chronic illness, and healthcare demands. I've seen firsthand how illness affects individuals and loved ones, fueling my passion to help you through emotional turbulence. My approach, rooted in empathy and active listening, integrates somatic therapy techniques. Somatic therapy acknowledges the mind-body connection, addressing how emotions manifest physically and promoting healing on both levels. I've worked with diverse clients, including those dealing with caregiving, chronic illness, and healthcare professionals managing burnout.
With 17 years of hospital experience, I specialize in therapy for those navigating trauma, chronic illness, and healthcare demands. I've seen firsthand how illness affects individuals and loved ones, fueling my passion to help you through emotional turbulence. My approach, rooted in empathy and active listening, integrates somatic therapy techniques. Somatic therapy acknowledges the mind-body connection, addressing how emotions manifest physically and promoting healing on both levels. I've worked with diverse clients, including those dealing with caregiving, chronic illness, and healthcare professionals managing burnout.
I specialize in working with adults with eating disorders and disordered eating, and the conditions that often co-occur with eating concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and trauma. I also have an extensive research background in chronic fatigue syndrome (sometimes called myalgic encephalomyelitis or ME/CFS) and have worked on multiple NIH-funded studies; I am aware of the unique challenges faced by individuals living with ME/CFS and other poorly understood, stigmatized health conditions. I provide evidence-based interventions that are tailored to my client’s needs and progress.
I specialize in working with adults with eating disorders and disordered eating, and the conditions that often co-occur with eating concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and trauma. I also have an extensive research background in chronic fatigue syndrome (sometimes called myalgic encephalomyelitis or ME/CFS) and have worked on multiple NIH-funded studies; I am aware of the unique challenges faced by individuals living with ME/CFS and other poorly understood, stigmatized health conditions. I provide evidence-based interventions that are tailored to my client’s needs and progress.
I am a sliding scale therapist. My approach is rooted in authenticity, compassion, and collaboration. I create a safe, supportive space where you feel seen and heard. Whether you're dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or life transitions, I’m here to walk alongside you. Together, we’ll explore your experiences, set meaningful goals, and build tools to help you move forward with confidence, clarity, and resilience.
I am a sliding scale therapist. My approach is rooted in authenticity, compassion, and collaboration. I create a safe, supportive space where you feel seen and heard. Whether you're dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or life transitions, I’m here to walk alongside you. Together, we’ll explore your experiences, set meaningful goals, and build tools to help you move forward with confidence, clarity, and resilience.
I've worked with children, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, depression, identity development, life transitions, relationship challenges, and chronic illness.
Hi, I’m Zehra! I’m so glad we crossed paths. I’m a first-generation Pakistani-American therapist who has lived in DC for over a decade. I became a therapist after navigating my own early experiences with anxiety, depression, and hypervigilance; I wish someone had told me then that all of these responses were normal.
If you’re here, you’ve already taken a brave step. In a city where anxiety, burnout, and over-functioning can be unconsciously rewarded by our networks, it makes sense if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or disconnected from yourself. You’re not alone.
I've worked with children, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, depression, identity development, life transitions, relationship challenges, and chronic illness.
Hi, I’m Zehra! I’m so glad we crossed paths. I’m a first-generation Pakistani-American therapist who has lived in DC for over a decade. I became a therapist after navigating my own early experiences with anxiety, depression, and hypervigilance; I wish someone had told me then that all of these responses were normal.
If you’re here, you’ve already taken a brave step. In a city where anxiety, burnout, and over-functioning can be unconsciously rewarded by our networks, it makes sense if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or disconnected from yourself. You’re not alone.
With one unexpected life event can come a flood of unforeseen changes and decisions. This is a familiar experience for family members managing a loss to their former abilities and independence.
My practice focuses on supporting individuals and families at any point in their caregiving journey, as well as therapists seeking clinical consultation to strengthen their work with clients.
With one unexpected life event can come a flood of unforeseen changes and decisions. This is a familiar experience for family members managing a loss to their former abilities and independence.
My practice focuses on supporting individuals and families at any point in their caregiving journey, as well as therapists seeking clinical consultation to strengthen their work with clients.
As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, a trauma survivor, and someone with a chronic pain disorder; I approach the work that I do from a place of empathy and personal understanding. I have an intense passion for understanding personal identity and the way race, culture, class, and sexuality come together to form what we believe about ourselves and what we feel we can accomplish in our lives. Anxiety and trauma can live in our bodies - together we will create a relationship that fosters dynamic and lasting growth, tapping into undiscovered reserves of resiliency that will help navigate the past and prepare for a more hopeful future.
As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, a trauma survivor, and someone with a chronic pain disorder; I approach the work that I do from a place of empathy and personal understanding. I have an intense passion for understanding personal identity and the way race, culture, class, and sexuality come together to form what we believe about ourselves and what we feel we can accomplish in our lives. Anxiety and trauma can live in our bodies - together we will create a relationship that fosters dynamic and lasting growth, tapping into undiscovered reserves of resiliency that will help navigate the past and prepare for a more hopeful future.
My ideal clients are adults navigating the complex emotional terrain of chronic illness and health challenges.
Drawing from personal experience with autoimmune disease and hearing loss, I offer specialized support for those navigating chronic health challenges. Having navigated significant life disruptions myself—from war zones to health challenges - I provide empathetic guidance for transforming limitation into meaningful adaptation.
My ideal clients are adults navigating the complex emotional terrain of chronic illness and health challenges.
Drawing from personal experience with autoimmune disease and hearing loss, I offer specialized support for those navigating chronic health challenges. Having navigated significant life disruptions myself—from war zones to health challenges - I provide empathetic guidance for transforming limitation into meaningful adaptation.
Whether you want help with relationships, work, anxiety, unhappiness, parenting, chronic illness, I will help you to build on your natural strengths and abilities to achieve your objectives.
Therapy can help people to move forward beyond painful experiences and self-defeating behaviors. With a focus on establishing a safe, confidential environment, my approach is active and and collaborative, so together we can explore experiences, relationships, and patterns to produce personal growth and greater fulfillment.
Whether you want help with relationships, work, anxiety, unhappiness, parenting, chronic illness, I will help you to build on your natural strengths and abilities to achieve your objectives.
Therapy can help people to move forward beyond painful experiences and self-defeating behaviors. With a focus on establishing a safe, confidential environment, my approach is active and and collaborative, so together we can explore experiences, relationships, and patterns to produce personal growth and greater fulfillment.
I work with individuals and couples, as well as children, in both DC and Chapel Hill. I do best with adults who are educated or reflective: many are scientists, artists, health and business professionals, or psychotherapists, and some are not pursuing conventional achievement.Some see me for family or work problems, some for help dealing with a chronic health issue or a loss, some to change longstanding emotional and interpersonal patterns involving anxiety, anger, or intimacy. We may try quick and simple approaches first, because sometimes they work, but if not we can go more deeply into the individual's unique personal narrative.
I work with individuals and couples, as well as children, in both DC and Chapel Hill. I do best with adults who are educated or reflective: many are scientists, artists, health and business professionals, or psychotherapists, and some are not pursuing conventional achievement.Some see me for family or work problems, some for help dealing with a chronic health issue or a loss, some to change longstanding emotional and interpersonal patterns involving anxiety, anger, or intimacy. We may try quick and simple approaches first, because sometimes they work, but if not we can go more deeply into the individual's unique personal narrative.
My priority is to provide you with a safe place to bring your truth. Together we will work to create strategies and interventions to ease the challenges you face. I believe that you are the most important person in the room, and should feel heard, felt, and affirmed. For many people long term illness or sudden changes in physical abilities can leave you with a sudden shock of where to go from here? There is the physical work to grow and rebuild, but also the emotional component of grief. Reflecting on past abilities, friendships, romantic relationships, and the anxieties of what the future may hold as you learn a new everyday.
My priority is to provide you with a safe place to bring your truth. Together we will work to create strategies and interventions to ease the challenges you face. I believe that you are the most important person in the room, and should feel heard, felt, and affirmed. For many people long term illness or sudden changes in physical abilities can leave you with a sudden shock of where to go from here? There is the physical work to grow and rebuild, but also the emotional component of grief. Reflecting on past abilities, friendships, romantic relationships, and the anxieties of what the future may hold as you learn a new everyday.
Are you struggling with a recent medical diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, or going through a divorce? Do you find yourself constantly worrying about your future and wondering if you will ever feel like yourself again? You're not alone. Many people going through life transitions wonder if they will ever be happy again. My specialization is working with individuals who have been diagnosed with a chronic and/or terminal illness and are striving to adapt to their "new normal". I understand the anxiety, anger, and sadness that come with facing an unknown future.
Are you struggling with a recent medical diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, or going through a divorce? Do you find yourself constantly worrying about your future and wondering if you will ever feel like yourself again? You're not alone. Many people going through life transitions wonder if they will ever be happy again. My specialization is working with individuals who have been diagnosed with a chronic and/or terminal illness and are striving to adapt to their "new normal". I understand the anxiety, anger, and sadness that come with facing an unknown future.
I work with clients to address a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, chronic illness, challenging relationships, life transitions, and job stress.
With a background spanning business, healthcare, and education, I rely on more than 20 years of experience to bring a seasoned perspective to our sessions. I've lived and worked abroad and practice with a culturally sensitive and down-to-earth approach.
I work with clients to address a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, chronic illness, challenging relationships, life transitions, and job stress.
With a background spanning business, healthcare, and education, I rely on more than 20 years of experience to bring a seasoned perspective to our sessions. I've lived and worked abroad and practice with a culturally sensitive and down-to-earth approach.
Bridging the gap between mental and physical health is my passion. I founded Health Psychology Partners to meet the needs of people, like you, who are dealing with chronic health struggles, like diabetes, obesity, cancer and more. Along with two decades of clinical experience, I have also been featured in the NYT, NBC, the Wall Street Journal, Healthline and Weight Watchers and speak internationally about psychology and its relationship health. Based in DC, but with availability in nearly every state, we use science, compassion and expertise to guide you as you navigate trauma, behavior change, and everything in between.
Bridging the gap between mental and physical health is my passion. I founded Health Psychology Partners to meet the needs of people, like you, who are dealing with chronic health struggles, like diabetes, obesity, cancer and more. Along with two decades of clinical experience, I have also been featured in the NYT, NBC, the Wall Street Journal, Healthline and Weight Watchers and speak internationally about psychology and its relationship health. Based in DC, but with availability in nearly every state, we use science, compassion and expertise to guide you as you navigate trauma, behavior change, and everything in between.
Joanne Assarsson Anxiety, Cancer & Chronic Illness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW, OSW-C
Online Only
I specialize in helping adults who are challenged by acute and chronic illness, anxiety, depression, trauma, loss, grief, work/life balance, relationship stressors and life transitions.
The key to achieving positive change begins with finding a therapist who is a good fit for YOU. Our work will involve identifying and building upon existing strengths while exploring ways to modify and/or change behaviors that are not fully supporting your goals. Together we will collaborate and uncover what’s limiting your quality of life.
I specialize in helping adults who are challenged by acute and chronic illness, anxiety, depression, trauma, loss, grief, work/life balance, relationship stressors and life transitions.
The key to achieving positive change begins with finding a therapist who is a good fit for YOU. Our work will involve identifying and building upon existing strengths while exploring ways to modify and/or change behaviors that are not fully supporting your goals. Together we will collaborate and uncover what’s limiting your quality of life.
How does one answer - what does it mean to be human? One way that I have come to appreciate the conversation is to listen to people's thoughts and processes of how they are trying to get to the answer. If you’re here because something is not sitting right: life is noisy, grief is your companion or you are simply seeking clarity, welcome!
I invite you to a quiet space where we will explore feelings of safety and self-actualization. I hope that during our time and our work together, you will become aware and confident in your peace of mind and body.
How does one answer - what does it mean to be human? One way that I have come to appreciate the conversation is to listen to people's thoughts and processes of how they are trying to get to the answer. If you’re here because something is not sitting right: life is noisy, grief is your companion or you are simply seeking clarity, welcome!
I invite you to a quiet space where we will explore feelings of safety and self-actualization. I hope that during our time and our work together, you will become aware and confident in your peace of mind and body.
I work at the intersection of neurodivergence, chronic illness, and queer identity.
Life as a neurodivergent person tends to be uniquely difficult. There are so many barriers to accessing essential things like education, meaningful work, and genuine connection. Constantly adapting to environments that don’t meet your needs can take a toll on both your emotional and physical health. And if you’re also part of the queer community, these challenges can feel even more intense. It can lead to isolation and the sense that you’re going it alone.
I work at the intersection of neurodivergence, chronic illness, and queer identity.
Life as a neurodivergent person tends to be uniquely difficult. There are so many barriers to accessing essential things like education, meaningful work, and genuine connection. Constantly adapting to environments that don’t meet your needs can take a toll on both your emotional and physical health. And if you’re also part of the queer community, these challenges can feel even more intense. It can lead to isolation and the sense that you’re going it alone.
See more therapy options for Washington
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.