Chronic Illness Therapists in Chicago, IL
Jeanelle Kline
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60602 (Online Only)
Are you tired of spending all your time in therapy educating your therapist instead of working on what you need? Looking for a therapist who specializes in struggles with identity, sexual orientation, diverse sexual groups, such as kink/BDSM; relationship orientation such as polyamory, relationship anarchy, or swinging; anxiety, depression, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic illness; secular or alternative faiths such as paganism; and are seeking patient-centered, compassionate, and affirming care?
Are you tired of spending all your time in therapy educating your therapist instead of working on what you need? Looking for a therapist who specializes in struggles with identity, sexual orientation, diverse sexual groups, such as kink/BDSM; relationship orientation such as polyamory, relationship anarchy, or swinging; anxiety, depression, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic illness; secular or alternative faiths such as paganism; and are seeking patient-centered, compassionate, and affirming care?
Peggy Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60614 (Online Only)
Many of life's events such as the diagnosis of cancer, chronic illness, divorce, death of a loved one, relationship issues, and life transitions can feel overwhelming with a roller-coaster of emotions.
Currently Accepting New Clients via Telehealth. It would be a privilege to work with you navigating through life's challenges and feelings of anxiety and sadness. My style is warm and supportive as I hope to help you feel less isolated and alone. I will help you discover alternative ways of thinking and offer a variety of coping skills. I will also incorporate humor. Together we will develop goals for growth and seek achievable solutions, alleviate distress, and improve your quality of life fostering a feeling of joy and happiness. I feel honored to be part of your journey.
Many of life's events such as the diagnosis of cancer, chronic illness, divorce, death of a loved one, relationship issues, and life transitions can feel overwhelming with a roller-coaster of emotions.
Currently Accepting New Clients via Telehealth. It would be a privilege to work with you navigating through life's challenges and feelings of anxiety and sadness. My style is warm and supportive as I hope to help you feel less isolated and alone. I will help you discover alternative ways of thinking and offer a variety of coping skills. I will also incorporate humor. Together we will develop goals for growth and seek achievable solutions, alleviate distress, and improve your quality of life fostering a feeling of joy and happiness. I feel honored to be part of your journey.
Dr. Feuer is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the Director of Health Psychology at IPD/DMG. She completed the majority of her clinical training in medical hospitals and outpatient settings. She additionally works as an adjunct faculty member for the PsyD Clinical Psychology program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Feuer’s areas of expertise include adults (18+) living with chronic medical illnesses, and has particular experience with clients diagnosed with cancer, cardiovascular, and transplant-related diagnoses. She also has experience working with caregivers of individuals living with chronic illness.
Dr. Feuer is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the Director of Health Psychology at IPD/DMG. She completed the majority of her clinical training in medical hospitals and outpatient settings. She additionally works as an adjunct faculty member for the PsyD Clinical Psychology program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Feuer’s areas of expertise include adults (18+) living with chronic medical illnesses, and has particular experience with clients diagnosed with cancer, cardiovascular, and transplant-related diagnoses. She also has experience working with caregivers of individuals living with chronic illness.
You are deserving of care and support as you navigate the ups and downs in life. As a therapist, I provide a compassionate, non-judgemental space for clients to work through difficult emotions and experiences while feeling safe, seen, and supported. My goal is for clients to feel a sense of ease when they enter sessions and a sense of understanding and hope when they leave. I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating a range of concerns, including trauma, grief, difficult relationships, chronic illness, disability, neurodivergence, immigration, sexuality, stress, anxiety, and depression.
You are deserving of care and support as you navigate the ups and downs in life. As a therapist, I provide a compassionate, non-judgemental space for clients to work through difficult emotions and experiences while feeling safe, seen, and supported. My goal is for clients to feel a sense of ease when they enter sessions and a sense of understanding and hope when they leave. I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating a range of concerns, including trauma, grief, difficult relationships, chronic illness, disability, neurodivergence, immigration, sexuality, stress, anxiety, and depression.
Niki T Colon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AM, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60602 (Online Only)
Are you a chronically ill person who feels unheard or dismissed? Are you struggling with navigating life as a Queer, TGNC, poly, or kinky person? Or with AFAB-specific health conditions (Endometriosis, etc.)? My work centers marginalized identities, including those who are chronically ill, disabled, queer, TGNC, poly, and/or kinky. My lived experiences navigating chronic illness, ableism, survivorship, and Bi+ invisibility have taught me compassion and the importance of rest as an act of resistance against oppressive systems. In the words of Audre Lorde, self-care “is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”
Are you a chronically ill person who feels unheard or dismissed? Are you struggling with navigating life as a Queer, TGNC, poly, or kinky person? Or with AFAB-specific health conditions (Endometriosis, etc.)? My work centers marginalized identities, including those who are chronically ill, disabled, queer, TGNC, poly, and/or kinky. My lived experiences navigating chronic illness, ableism, survivorship, and Bi+ invisibility have taught me compassion and the importance of rest as an act of resistance against oppressive systems. In the words of Audre Lorde, self-care “is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”
I have worked in a variety of interdisciplinary settings, addressing concerns related to depression, anxiety, chronic illness, sleep, and interpersonal/relationship distress.
I have a passion for helping individuals and couples navigate a range of behavioral, emotional, physical, and spiritual concerns. My experiences have not only provided me with an in-depth knowledge of psychological theories and evidence-based interventions, but also an intimate understanding that healing and growth through psychotherapy cannot take place without a strong acceptance, appreciation, and integration of the unique strengths, needs, and identities of those with whom I work. My responsibility as your therapist is to walk alongside you in a collaborative manner that will help facilitate the change and healing you desire.
I have worked in a variety of interdisciplinary settings, addressing concerns related to depression, anxiety, chronic illness, sleep, and interpersonal/relationship distress.
I have a passion for helping individuals and couples navigate a range of behavioral, emotional, physical, and spiritual concerns. My experiences have not only provided me with an in-depth knowledge of psychological theories and evidence-based interventions, but also an intimate understanding that healing and growth through psychotherapy cannot take place without a strong acceptance, appreciation, and integration of the unique strengths, needs, and identities of those with whom I work. My responsibility as your therapist is to walk alongside you in a collaborative manner that will help facilitate the change and healing you desire.
I work with adults who are suffering from a multitude of mental health issues, chronic illness, Loss, PTSD, and transitions.
Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who has been providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families for 29 years. While I received my degrees many years ago and much has changed in my field, I have stayed current in my knowledge of Psychology. I provide therapy to people who are experiencing stress, change and discomfort in their current life. I work with diverse populations with a variety of needs. I visualize therapy as a partnership: you define your goals and we develop ways to help you experience the joy in life, that everyone deserves.
I work with adults who are suffering from a multitude of mental health issues, chronic illness, Loss, PTSD, and transitions.
Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who has been providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families for 29 years. While I received my degrees many years ago and much has changed in my field, I have stayed current in my knowledge of Psychology. I provide therapy to people who are experiencing stress, change and discomfort in their current life. I work with diverse populations with a variety of needs. I visualize therapy as a partnership: you define your goals and we develop ways to help you experience the joy in life, that everyone deserves.
Amy Weider
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
Waitlist for new clients
My areas of clinical strength include chronic illness, cancer, grief, life transitions, identity development, ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
Major life changes, such as being diagnosed with a chronic illness, starting a new career path, losing a loved one, or becoming a caregiver, can be overwhelming. They can make us question our values, goals, and sense of self. In these pivotal moments, therapy becomes a powerful tool to navigate our journey, make meaning and find our authentic voices. It's time to give yourself permission to evolve and embrace the process of self-discovery.
My areas of clinical strength include chronic illness, cancer, grief, life transitions, identity development, ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
Major life changes, such as being diagnosed with a chronic illness, starting a new career path, losing a loved one, or becoming a caregiver, can be overwhelming. They can make us question our values, goals, and sense of self. In these pivotal moments, therapy becomes a powerful tool to navigate our journey, make meaning and find our authentic voices. It's time to give yourself permission to evolve and embrace the process of self-discovery.
Life pulls us in all different directions. Sometimes the direction is exciting and sometimes it's overwhelming. I'd be honored to help you walk through the parts of life that feel like too much. I specialize in working with people dealing with trauma, chronic illness, grief, and people who care for others. I work with a trauma informed approach and somatic approach to help you reach your goals.
Life pulls us in all different directions. Sometimes the direction is exciting and sometimes it's overwhelming. I'd be honored to help you walk through the parts of life that feel like too much. I specialize in working with people dealing with trauma, chronic illness, grief, and people who care for others. I work with a trauma informed approach and somatic approach to help you reach your goals.
Jennifer Warner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My practice is dedicated to working with adults living with stress related to complex chronic illness (including COVID and post acute COVID syndrome, POTS, dysautonomia, vestibular disorders, migraine, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, MCAS, IBD, a) as well as with the caregivers, medical providers, and allied professionals who serve this population.
Asking for help is one of the strongest things you can do, but it can also be one of the hardest because of past experience of not being heard, believed, or supported. Extreme stressors and traumatic events - including new or ongoing health conditions - affect every aspect of our lives and can make relationships - with family, friends, colleagues, and even healthcare providers - very challenging. The impact of these events can make us feel isolated, misunderstood, and unsupported (even by the well-intentioned). They can lead us to make choices we aren't proud of and limit our enjoyment of life in general.
My practice is dedicated to working with adults living with stress related to complex chronic illness (including COVID and post acute COVID syndrome, POTS, dysautonomia, vestibular disorders, migraine, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, MCAS, IBD, a) as well as with the caregivers, medical providers, and allied professionals who serve this population.
Asking for help is one of the strongest things you can do, but it can also be one of the hardest because of past experience of not being heard, believed, or supported. Extreme stressors and traumatic events - including new or ongoing health conditions - affect every aspect of our lives and can make relationships - with family, friends, colleagues, and even healthcare providers - very challenging. The impact of these events can make us feel isolated, misunderstood, and unsupported (even by the well-intentioned). They can lead us to make choices we aren't proud of and limit our enjoyment of life in general.
I specialize in supporting clients experiencing depression; religious, medical, or sexual traumas; disability/ chronic illness; and incarceration/court-related issues.
I work together with my clients to help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and self-esteem, manage relationships and life transitions, and provide the tools and resources to express and cope with emotions. I support my clients who feel stuck or dissatisfied gain better insight into negative thought patterns that may be hindering their ability to achieve a fulfilled life. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, with you being the expert of your own life. By working together, I will create an individualized approach tailored specifically to each client in order to best suite your specific needs.
I specialize in supporting clients experiencing depression; religious, medical, or sexual traumas; disability/ chronic illness; and incarceration/court-related issues.
I work together with my clients to help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and self-esteem, manage relationships and life transitions, and provide the tools and resources to express and cope with emotions. I support my clients who feel stuck or dissatisfied gain better insight into negative thought patterns that may be hindering their ability to achieve a fulfilled life. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, with you being the expert of your own life. By working together, I will create an individualized approach tailored specifically to each client in order to best suite your specific needs.
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Morgan Wilson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60611 (Online Only)
I bring years of experience working with survivors of domestic violence, as well as individuals and families navigating chronic illness, grief, and daily struggles.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or burnout, you’re not alone. These struggles can affect every part of your life, making it hard to stay present and connected with others. You might feel slower, more tired, or irritable without realizing that these are signs of a deeper mood condition. I offer a safe space where you can explore these feelings and begin to understand what’s really going on. You only need to be curious about your emotions to start the journey—together, we’ll work on the rest.
I bring years of experience working with survivors of domestic violence, as well as individuals and families navigating chronic illness, grief, and daily struggles.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or burnout, you’re not alone. These struggles can affect every part of your life, making it hard to stay present and connected with others. You might feel slower, more tired, or irritable without realizing that these are signs of a deeper mood condition. I offer a safe space where you can explore these feelings and begin to understand what’s really going on. You only need to be curious about your emotions to start the journey—together, we’ll work on the rest.
I take a compassionate, warm, and collaborative approach to connect with my clients and understand their goals for improving their quality of life. If you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed, I can help you to feel empowered to face challenges in your life. I work with clients who have issues related to anxiety, stress, and depression. I also have specialized training in treating insomnia, chronic pain, coping with chronic illness, and coping with the stress of caring for a loved one with chronic illness.
I take a compassionate, warm, and collaborative approach to connect with my clients and understand their goals for improving their quality of life. If you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed, I can help you to feel empowered to face challenges in your life. I work with clients who have issues related to anxiety, stress, and depression. I also have specialized training in treating insomnia, chronic pain, coping with chronic illness, and coping with the stress of caring for a loved one with chronic illness.
Abbey Storey
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, CRC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60614
My expertise extends to supporting individuals dealing with chronic illness, disabilities, and their caregivers, as well as those undergoing vocational rehabilitation.
Feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Struggling with stress, anxiety, or finding a true sense of belonging? You’re not alone in this journey. I’m here to help you navigate these hurdles and discover lasting relief. Together, we can explore your unique strengths, reduce worry, and unlock your potential for joy and personal growth. By creating a supportive and understanding space, I’ll guide you towards achieving your personal definition of success and a more fulfilling life. Let’s start this transformative journey together.
My expertise extends to supporting individuals dealing with chronic illness, disabilities, and their caregivers, as well as those undergoing vocational rehabilitation.
Feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Struggling with stress, anxiety, or finding a true sense of belonging? You’re not alone in this journey. I’m here to help you navigate these hurdles and discover lasting relief. Together, we can explore your unique strengths, reduce worry, and unlock your potential for joy and personal growth. By creating a supportive and understanding space, I’ll guide you towards achieving your personal definition of success and a more fulfilling life. Let’s start this transformative journey together.
I am here to work with you regarding the things in life where you feel "stuck." You may be stuck for a variety of reasons, including past or current trauma, chronic illness, relationship or work-related stressors, or caring for children or your aging parents. You might be in a heterosexual marriage and realize that you are LGBTQ, and you are scared, wondering how to move forward in a way that is sensitive to your family, and is true to your identity. I have both personal and professional experience with this issue, and I am happy to help you navigate through it.
I am here to work with you regarding the things in life where you feel "stuck." You may be stuck for a variety of reasons, including past or current trauma, chronic illness, relationship or work-related stressors, or caring for children or your aging parents. You might be in a heterosexual marriage and realize that you are LGBTQ, and you are scared, wondering how to move forward in a way that is sensitive to your family, and is true to your identity. I have both personal and professional experience with this issue, and I am happy to help you navigate through it.
Using a client-centered and narrative-based approach with adults and adolescents, I specialize in anxiety, self-esteem, burnout, chronic illness, grief, and more.
Whether you're facing difficulties related to anxiety, depression, stress, or grief, I offer a warm, thoughtful space for exploration and growth. I enjoy collaborating with clients who seek to understand their experiences, identify unhelpful patterns, and find meaning and purpose in their lives. Together, we can work to untangle how past and present events have shaped you and discover new ways to care for yourself.
Using a client-centered and narrative-based approach with adults and adolescents, I specialize in anxiety, self-esteem, burnout, chronic illness, grief, and more.
Whether you're facing difficulties related to anxiety, depression, stress, or grief, I offer a warm, thoughtful space for exploration and growth. I enjoy collaborating with clients who seek to understand their experiences, identify unhelpful patterns, and find meaning and purpose in their lives. Together, we can work to untangle how past and present events have shaped you and discover new ways to care for yourself.
I have found success and fulfillment in working with those with or loved ones of those who experience the impacts or rare and chronic illness or pain, as well as educators.
Let’s be honest, life can be exhausting, unpredictable, and terrifying. It can also be full of pain and shit, things are always going to come up to derail us. I am here to get into all of it with you to figure it out, and help you find a life that brings some joy along with said shit. I greatly enjoy working with clients who have experienced a variety of struggles, and feel exhausted. I’m ready to sit with you and be present with you in your pain. I will work to see you and help you see yourself as the person you really are as we work to create change or process past pain.
I have found success and fulfillment in working with those with or loved ones of those who experience the impacts or rare and chronic illness or pain, as well as educators.
Let’s be honest, life can be exhausting, unpredictable, and terrifying. It can also be full of pain and shit, things are always going to come up to derail us. I am here to get into all of it with you to figure it out, and help you find a life that brings some joy along with said shit. I greatly enjoy working with clients who have experienced a variety of struggles, and feel exhausted. I’m ready to sit with you and be present with you in your pain. I will work to see you and help you see yourself as the person you really are as we work to create change or process past pain.
As a trained professional who has been managing chronic illness for over 20 years, I can truly empathize with the struggle to navigate medical conditions.
Are you or a loved one facing the challenges of living with a chronic illness? Between managing appointments, navigating the medical system, understanding your condition and your medications, recovering from hospital stays, and many more... it can become overwhelming. The mind and the body influence each other, and it's important to actively manage mental health when living with chronic illness. My speciality is in navigating mental health in chronic illness. I can support you in finding the balance and living a life of value.
As a trained professional who has been managing chronic illness for over 20 years, I can truly empathize with the struggle to navigate medical conditions.
Are you or a loved one facing the challenges of living with a chronic illness? Between managing appointments, navigating the medical system, understanding your condition and your medications, recovering from hospital stays, and many more... it can become overwhelming. The mind and the body influence each other, and it's important to actively manage mental health when living with chronic illness. My speciality is in navigating mental health in chronic illness. I can support you in finding the balance and living a life of value.
Caroline Srbeny
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60614 (Online Only)
I work with adults on issues related to neurodivergence and chronic illness/disability.
If you're here, I'm guessing you feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or straight up exhausted. Maybe you've always felt different from other people, and you want a therapist who actually understands. You've come to the right place! As an autistic therapist, I strive to provide a safe and comfortable space in which you can explore the thoughts and feelings weighing you down without judgment. My approach is authentic - I want you to feel like you're talking to a real person. In turn, I won't ever ask you to change who you are, but instead, to live fully as the person you want to be.
I work with adults on issues related to neurodivergence and chronic illness/disability.
If you're here, I'm guessing you feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or straight up exhausted. Maybe you've always felt different from other people, and you want a therapist who actually understands. You've come to the right place! As an autistic therapist, I strive to provide a safe and comfortable space in which you can explore the thoughts and feelings weighing you down without judgment. My approach is authentic - I want you to feel like you're talking to a real person. In turn, I won't ever ask you to change who you are, but instead, to live fully as the person you want to be.
My specialization is working with those experiencing relationship issues, anxiety, major life transitions, chronic illness, and depression.
I firmly believe that therapy is for everyone. I offer a safe, healing, and open space for folks to be heard and understood. My goal is to provide meaningful therapy specific to you, your life experiences, and your goals. Through my diverse experiences in community mental health, I have learned that we are not ‘one size fits all’. My practice is enriched through Mindfulness & Grounding, CBT, and IFS. I use a combination of trauma-informed, person-centered, and strength-based practices to explore new perspectives and foster growth.
My specialization is working with those experiencing relationship issues, anxiety, major life transitions, chronic illness, and depression.
I firmly believe that therapy is for everyone. I offer a safe, healing, and open space for folks to be heard and understood. My goal is to provide meaningful therapy specific to you, your life experiences, and your goals. Through my diverse experiences in community mental health, I have learned that we are not ‘one size fits all’. My practice is enriched through Mindfulness & Grounding, CBT, and IFS. I use a combination of trauma-informed, person-centered, and strength-based practices to explore new perspectives and foster growth.
See more therapy options for Chicago
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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.