Chronic Illness Therapists in Washington, DC
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.
People come to therapy for different reasons You may be experiencing depression, grief, anxiety, have a chronic illness or struggling with another life issue. I am here to help you to explore the issues that matter to you. I specialize people with disabilities. Our working relationship will be based on respect and trust.I am here to assist you in sorting out issues and coming up with your own solutions.
People come to therapy for different reasons You may be experiencing depression, grief, anxiety, have a chronic illness or struggling with another life issue. I am here to help you to explore the issues that matter to you. I specialize people with disabilities. Our working relationship will be based on respect and trust.I am here to assist you in sorting out issues and coming up with your own solutions.
Julie Ceigler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
As someone in recovery and with a chronic illness myself, I've not just helped others.
When was the last time you felt truly heard? Life can feel as though you're stuck in a maze without a map or sense of purpose. You may feel broken, alone, or depressed, but you're not. I've successfully helped clients work through life's challenges, learn effective coping skills, and view the present and future in a realistic, positive way. I've also helped clients with chronic illness maximize their quality of life and reach their goals, such as returning to work or school, or being a better parent or spouse. We'll set up a plan that meets your current needs, then empower you to reach your goals- together.
As someone in recovery and with a chronic illness myself, I've not just helped others.
When was the last time you felt truly heard? Life can feel as though you're stuck in a maze without a map or sense of purpose. You may feel broken, alone, or depressed, but you're not. I've successfully helped clients work through life's challenges, learn effective coping skills, and view the present and future in a realistic, positive way. I've also helped clients with chronic illness maximize their quality of life and reach their goals, such as returning to work or school, or being a better parent or spouse. We'll set up a plan that meets your current needs, then empower you to reach your goals- together.
Anne Kelemen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20009
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 understand how overwhelming it can be to manage a chronic illness alongside feelings of depression, anxiety, or grief.
Are you finding it overwhelming to manage the complexities of a chronic illness along with feelings of depression, anxiety, or grief? Let me help you navigate these challenges. Together, we can develop strategies to improve both your physical and mental well-being, empowering you to achieve a better quality of life.
I understand how overwhelming it can be to manage a chronic illness alongside feelings of depression, anxiety, or grief.
Are you finding it overwhelming to manage the complexities of a chronic illness along with feelings of depression, anxiety, or grief? Let me help you navigate these challenges. Together, we can develop strategies to improve both your physical and mental well-being, empowering you to achieve a better quality of life.
I specialize in supporting queer individuals navigating Autism, ADHD, and chronic illness intersections.
Navigating life as a neurodivergent person can feel like a tightrope walk. The barriers to accessing essential services—like education, employment, and social connections—can be overwhelming. Constantly having to adapt to environments that may not meet your needs can really impact your emotional and physical health, sometimes leading to burnout or shutdown. If you're also part of the queer community, these challenges can feel even more intense, often leading to a sense of isolation and the feeling that you're facing these struggles on your own.
I specialize in supporting queer individuals navigating Autism, ADHD, and chronic illness intersections.
Navigating life as a neurodivergent person can feel like a tightrope walk. The barriers to accessing essential services—like education, employment, and social connections—can be overwhelming. Constantly having to adapt to environments that may not meet your needs can really impact your emotional and physical health, sometimes leading to burnout or shutdown. If you're also part of the queer community, these challenges can feel even more intense, often leading to a sense of isolation and the feeling that you're facing these struggles on your own.
Welcome— I’m so glad you’re here. I’m Terah Ryan, a Clinical Social Worker and therapist in Maryland and the District of Columbia. It’s my commitment to create a safe place for you to explore your thoughts, emotions, patterns, and relationships to create a more meaningful self. I work with adults of all ages experiencing concerns such as chronic illness, grief, loss, relationship or family issues, anxiety, and troublesome or stressful life transitions. My clients find me to be supportive, collaborative, and direct. I also have substantial experience working with healthcare professionals and supporting caregivers of loved ones.
Welcome— I’m so glad you’re here. I’m Terah Ryan, a Clinical Social Worker and therapist in Maryland and the District of Columbia. It’s my commitment to create a safe place for you to explore your thoughts, emotions, patterns, and relationships to create a more meaningful self. I work with adults of all ages experiencing concerns such as chronic illness, grief, loss, relationship or family issues, anxiety, and troublesome or stressful life transitions. My clients find me to be supportive, collaborative, and direct. I also have substantial experience working with healthcare professionals and supporting caregivers of loved ones.
I am specialized in working with women's health issues, chronic illness, infertility, medical trauma, sexual trauma, pregnancy after loss and anxiety.
You are a high achieving woman who is dealing with chronic illness, infertility, the grief of a diagnosis, anxiety or pregnancy loss while juggling it all: a career, family, a partner, friends, dating and your health. You got the diagnosis that changed your life and derailed your plans. You are a strong woman feeling overwhelmed navigating anxiety, grief and loss that accompanies women's health issues, sexual trauma, birth trauma, infertility and pregnancy after loss. You want to figure out a way to not just survive with women's health issues but to thrive.
I am specialized in working with women's health issues, chronic illness, infertility, medical trauma, sexual trauma, pregnancy after loss and anxiety.
You are a high achieving woman who is dealing with chronic illness, infertility, the grief of a diagnosis, anxiety or pregnancy loss while juggling it all: a career, family, a partner, friends, dating and your health. You got the diagnosis that changed your life and derailed your plans. You are a strong woman feeling overwhelmed navigating anxiety, grief and loss that accompanies women's health issues, sexual trauma, birth trauma, infertility and pregnancy after loss. You want to figure out a way to not just survive with women's health issues but to thrive.
I have expertise in working with chronic pain, chronic illness, and complex trauma.
There is beauty in the complexity of our lives, and often difficulty too. Sometimes, our inner resources and life's challenges don't align, leaving us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unskilled. My goals is to help you to find more freedom, ease, and wholeness in these moments. I am skilled in working with experiences of complex trauma and chronic pain/illness, depression, anxiety/panic. I am experienced in working with members of the LGBTQIA+ and ENM communities, neurodivergent folks, and those whose lives question social norms. My approach emphasizes gentleness, mutuality, creativity, and awareness from an anti-oppressive lens.
I have expertise in working with chronic pain, chronic illness, and complex trauma.
There is beauty in the complexity of our lives, and often difficulty too. Sometimes, our inner resources and life's challenges don't align, leaving us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unskilled. My goals is to help you to find more freedom, ease, and wholeness in these moments. I am skilled in working with experiences of complex trauma and chronic pain/illness, depression, anxiety/panic. I am experienced in working with members of the LGBTQIA+ and ENM communities, neurodivergent folks, and those whose lives question social norms. My approach emphasizes gentleness, mutuality, creativity, and awareness from an anti-oppressive lens.
In my practice, I have successfully helped many people overcome, or cope with, insomnia (CBT-I), circadian rhythm disorders, CPAP desensitization, nightmares, chronic pain (CBT-CP), nicotine addiction, chronic illness, terminal illness, diabetes, obesity, nutritional difficulties, and more. My goal is to help clients improve their quality of life by limiting the negative impact of their health-related challenges so they can spend more time focused on, and engaged in, what they value.
In my practice, I have successfully helped many people overcome, or cope with, insomnia (CBT-I), circadian rhythm disorders, CPAP desensitization, nightmares, chronic pain (CBT-CP), nicotine addiction, chronic illness, terminal illness, diabetes, obesity, nutritional difficulties, and more. My goal is to help clients improve their quality of life by limiting the negative impact of their health-related challenges so they can spend more time focused on, and engaged in, what they value.
My job is to make living with a chronic illness more manageable day by day.
Are you a teen or young adult with chronic illness struggling to live the life you want? Or perhaps you're a parent who is watching your child's wellbeing decline due to a health condition? Have you become sick and tired of explaining your medical condition or invisible illness to friends, teachers, and family? It's hard enough to live every day with chronic pain, illness, and unpredictable symptoms. Not to mention the stress, isolation, sense of falling behind, and loss of identity that can set in over time.
My job is to make living with a chronic illness more manageable day by day.
Are you a teen or young adult with chronic illness struggling to live the life you want? Or perhaps you're a parent who is watching your child's wellbeing decline due to a health condition? Have you become sick and tired of explaining your medical condition or invisible illness to friends, teachers, and family? It's hard enough to live every day with chronic pain, illness, and unpredictable symptoms. Not to mention the stress, isolation, sense of falling behind, and loss of identity that can set in over time.
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If you have been struggling with a health concern such as pain, insomnia, or GI distress, you may feel demoralized by the limitations of medical treatments for many health issues. You may not know that psychotherapy is an effective treatment for a number of medical conditions. As a clinical health psychologist, I specialize in chronic illness, chronic pain, disorders of brain-gut interaction (DGBIs), health anxiety, insomnia, and stress related to navigating the health care system. Therapy can help you to quiet the brain’s natural threat response to symptoms, foster resilience, and embrace life once again.
If you have been struggling with a health concern such as pain, insomnia, or GI distress, you may feel demoralized by the limitations of medical treatments for many health issues. You may not know that psychotherapy is an effective treatment for a number of medical conditions. As a clinical health psychologist, I specialize in chronic illness, chronic pain, disorders of brain-gut interaction (DGBIs), health anxiety, insomnia, and stress related to navigating the health care system. Therapy can help you to quiet the brain’s natural threat response to symptoms, foster resilience, and embrace life once again.
Hope Heller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20007
My experience includes working with acute illness, long-term chronic illness, life transitions, end of life, aging, caregiving, the risk for genetic illnesses, and Huntington's Disease.
Are you or someone in your life impacted by a chronic or terminal illness? Are you struggling with decisions around risk for a genetic illness? Are you struggling with relationships, family boundaries, or life transitions?
My experience includes working with acute illness, long-term chronic illness, life transitions, end of life, aging, caregiving, the risk for genetic illnesses, and Huntington's Disease.
Are you or someone in your life impacted by a chronic or terminal illness? Are you struggling with decisions around risk for a genetic illness? Are you struggling with relationships, family boundaries, or life transitions?
Additionally, I support those managing chronic illness, addressing the emotional and physical challenges it brings.
Hi, I’m Samantha, and I love helping people through various life challenges, including creating more fulfilling relationships, exploring identity, and managing chronic illness. I understand that each person’s journey is unique, and I create a warm, empathetic space where you can feel safe to share your experiences and challenges. Drawing from my background as a therapist, sex educator, and chronic illness advocate, I uttilize a variety of evidence-based techniques to empower you in your personal growth. Together, we’ll explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, helping you gain insight into yourself and your relationships.
Additionally, I support those managing chronic illness, addressing the emotional and physical challenges it brings.
Hi, I’m Samantha, and I love helping people through various life challenges, including creating more fulfilling relationships, exploring identity, and managing chronic illness. I understand that each person’s journey is unique, and I create a warm, empathetic space where you can feel safe to share your experiences and challenges. Drawing from my background as a therapist, sex educator, and chronic illness advocate, I uttilize a variety of evidence-based techniques to empower you in your personal growth. Together, we’ll explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, helping you gain insight into yourself and your relationships.
Stellium Integrative Wellness is compassion-based & uses tools like positive psychology, meditation & hypnotherapy techniques to build confidence & resiliency. Clients include Millennials 20-45, Gen Xers 45-55, & Baby Boomers 56-74 dealing with relationships, career, concerns surrounding parenting, health issues/ chronic illness (cancer, diabetes, thyroid disorders, COVID-19), LGBTQIA, disability, & grief from loss (job, parent/family member/friend, partner, child, home, bankruptcy, divorce/separation). Areas of expertise include life coaching, hypnosis, love-relationships/dating, & confidence/self-esteem building.
Stellium Integrative Wellness is compassion-based & uses tools like positive psychology, meditation & hypnotherapy techniques to build confidence & resiliency. Clients include Millennials 20-45, Gen Xers 45-55, & Baby Boomers 56-74 dealing with relationships, career, concerns surrounding parenting, health issues/ chronic illness (cancer, diabetes, thyroid disorders, COVID-19), LGBTQIA, disability, & grief from loss (job, parent/family member/friend, partner, child, home, bankruptcy, divorce/separation). Areas of expertise include life coaching, hypnosis, love-relationships/dating, & confidence/self-esteem building.
Cara Snyder
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LIMHP, CMSW, LISW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Online Only
I have therapeutic experience working with Adolescents, Adults, and Adults 65+ who are struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Chronic Illness, Life Transitions, Setting Boundaries, Identity Issues, and Developing Healthy Coping Skills.
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.
I have therapeutic experience working with Adolescents, Adults, and Adults 65+ who are struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Chronic Illness, Life Transitions, Setting Boundaries, Identity Issues, and Developing Healthy Coping Skills.
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.
Dr. Eric Teeters
Psychologist, PsyD, PsyPact
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20007
Waitlist for new clients
Recognizing each person's uniqueness, I address a range of issues, including chronic illness (like IBS), health anxiety, OCD, sexual identity, life transitions, climate grief, and trauma.
I have the privilege of guiding clients through both their toughest challenges and greatest joys. I focus on health psychology, helping you enhance your relationship with yourself and balance your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and energy. My evidence-based, insight-oriented approach empowers you with the skills and strategies needed to prioritize self-care and unlock your fullest potential. Together, we'll create a vision for the life you aspire to lead.
Recognizing each person's uniqueness, I address a range of issues, including chronic illness (like IBS), health anxiety, OCD, sexual identity, life transitions, climate grief, and trauma.
I have the privilege of guiding clients through both their toughest challenges and greatest joys. I focus on health psychology, helping you enhance your relationship with yourself and balance your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and energy. My evidence-based, insight-oriented approach empowers you with the skills and strategies needed to prioritize self-care and unlock your fullest potential. Together, we'll create a vision for the life you aspire to lead.
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.
Drawing on my training as a medical social worker, I work with clients with cancer, chronic illness, medically complex children, high risk pregnancies, or new diagnoses.
New Openings! I am a supportive & directive therapist who works with adults experiencing life stressors. I specialize in clients with medical needs, parenting, early adulthood, & those wanting additional support services as well as therapy. We will process your emotions & learn actionable skills to make day to day life easier. I pride myself on being an unconditional support and strong advocate for my clients. As a former medical social worker and parenting coach, I am dedicated to being by your side through the really tough stuff. My favorite part of my job is the privilege of being there for it all, good, bad, & everything else
Drawing on my training as a medical social worker, I work with clients with cancer, chronic illness, medically complex children, high risk pregnancies, or new diagnoses.
New Openings! I am a supportive & directive therapist who works with adults experiencing life stressors. I specialize in clients with medical needs, parenting, early adulthood, & those wanting additional support services as well as therapy. We will process your emotions & learn actionable skills to make day to day life easier. I pride myself on being an unconditional support and strong advocate for my clients. As a former medical social worker and parenting coach, I am dedicated to being by your side through the really tough stuff. My favorite part of my job is the privilege of being there for it all, good, bad, & everything else
Tara Devineni
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20007
My experience working within both acute and ambulatory care medical settings has also expanded my expertise to include helping those coping with chronic illness, grief/loss, and end of life issues.
Everyone needs support during difficult times in their lives, whether they are dealing with relationship issues, stress at home or work, or feelings of depression and anxiety with or without a clear cause. It is during times like these that therapy can help. Through our work together I will provide a safe space for painful memories and emotions to be explored and work with you to gain a deeper understanding of how these experiences continue to shape you today. Together we will work to help you develop new coping skills and bring an enhanced level of self-awareness to your life.
My experience working within both acute and ambulatory care medical settings has also expanded my expertise to include helping those coping with chronic illness, grief/loss, and end of life issues.
Everyone needs support during difficult times in their lives, whether they are dealing with relationship issues, stress at home or work, or feelings of depression and anxiety with or without a clear cause. It is during times like these that therapy can help. Through our work together I will provide a safe space for painful memories and emotions to be explored and work with you to gain a deeper understanding of how these experiences continue to shape you today. Together we will work to help you develop new coping skills and bring an enhanced level of self-awareness to your life.
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.