Chronic Illness Therapists in Chicago, IL
While I commonly see people struggling with change in their life, anxiety, and navigating their 20's-30s, some other common themes include grief, self-acceptance, relationship concerns, chronic illness, and perinatal mental health concerns.
As a therapist, I work with all my clients, individuals or couples, in a collaborative manner, centered around you and your needs. I strive to always be empathetic, warm, inviting, and non-judgmental. I am diverse in my modalities and specialties and combine various therapeutic techniques to suit you and your goals.
While I commonly see people struggling with change in their life, anxiety, and navigating their 20's-30s, some other common themes include grief, self-acceptance, relationship concerns, chronic illness, and perinatal mental health concerns.
As a therapist, I work with all my clients, individuals or couples, in a collaborative manner, centered around you and your needs. I strive to always be empathetic, warm, inviting, and non-judgmental. I am diverse in my modalities and specialties and combine various therapeutic techniques to suit you and your goals.
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.
My areas of clinical strength include chronic illness, cancer, grief, life transitions, identity development, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. With a curious and non-judgmental approach, I create a welcoming and accessible space where you can freely express yourself. Together, we can process life changes, cultivate new habits, regain balance and reclaim joy.
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.
My areas of clinical strength include chronic illness, cancer, grief, life transitions, identity development, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. With a curious and non-judgmental approach, I create a welcoming and accessible space where you can freely express yourself. Together, we can process life changes, cultivate new habits, regain balance and reclaim joy.
I work with chronic illness, anxiety, depression and relationship issues.
You know you better than anyone. But sometimes we all need a guiding hand, someone to listen, someone who understands. I have worked in the mental health field for 17 years with a focus on chronic illness, sleep, anxiety, weight loss, depression and relationships. Let’s start this journey together.
I work with chronic illness, anxiety, depression and relationship issues.
You know you better than anyone. But sometimes we all need a guiding hand, someone to listen, someone who understands. I have worked in the mental health field for 17 years with a focus on chronic illness, sleep, anxiety, weight loss, depression and relationships. Let’s start this 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.
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 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 use evidence based interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based approaches. I tailor treatment to fit the unique needs of each client. I can help you work toward enhancing skills and coping strategies that can help improve wellbeing and help you thrive in your daily life.
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 use evidence based interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based approaches. I tailor treatment to fit the unique needs of each client. I can help you work toward enhancing skills and coping strategies that can help improve wellbeing and help you thrive in your daily life.
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.
I have helped many people and their loved ones deal with many challenges, including aging and life transitions, chronic illness, and conditions that cause cognitive impairment.
Change happens perpetually in the world, in our communities, and in our own lives. Change affects our families and friends and it affects each of us. We can feel uncertain, anxious, and fearful about what is happening to us and around us. We can also feel excitement and joy. The challenges we face affect us in many ways, but they do not define us. We all want to live productively, safely and peacefully. We are all connected but sometimes we all feel alone. Sometimes the messages we create for ourselves cause us to think in ways that may not be best for us.
I have helped many people and their loved ones deal with many challenges, including aging and life transitions, chronic illness, and conditions that cause cognitive impairment.
Change happens perpetually in the world, in our communities, and in our own lives. Change affects our families and friends and it affects each of us. We can feel uncertain, anxious, and fearful about what is happening to us and around us. We can also feel excitement and joy. The challenges we face affect us in many ways, but they do not define us. We all want to live productively, safely and peacefully. We are all connected but sometimes we all feel alone. Sometimes the messages we create for ourselves cause us to think in ways that may not be best for us.
I work with teens (13+) and adults with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, Chronic Illness, Grief, Aging, Body Image, offering individual therapy.
People often come to therapy feeling stuck or unsatisfied, facing life’s inevitable challenges and cycling through the same patterns and relationship dynamics, feeling unsure how to move forward or take better care of themselves.
With curiosity and compassion, I support clients in exploring barriers, building insight and self-compassion, and engaging in healthier relationships with themselves and others. I take a holistic approach, considering clients’ multifaceted world and history, while ensuring the client is the primary driver of our work.
I work with teens (13+) and adults with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, Chronic Illness, Grief, Aging, Body Image, offering individual therapy.
People often come to therapy feeling stuck or unsatisfied, facing life’s inevitable challenges and cycling through the same patterns and relationship dynamics, feeling unsure how to move forward or take better care of themselves.
With curiosity and compassion, I support clients in exploring barriers, building insight and self-compassion, and engaging in healthier relationships with themselves and others. I take a holistic approach, considering clients’ multifaceted world and history, while ensuring the client is the primary driver of our work.
You deserve a neurodiversity-affirming therapist who supports sensory needs, advocates for disability, acknowledges systems of power and privilege, and is able to hold the grief that can come with navigating chronic illness.
I aim to create a space that accommodates all of you: your cultural identities, sexuality, gender, or neurodivergence. You may have had a therapist tell you that you’re “too self-aware” for therapy, or that “it seems like you have it all figured out”. And still, you’re dealing with buried trauma, emotions that feel too overwhelming to acknowledge, and wondering if there’s something wrong with you for “not getting it”. I want to meet you where you’re feeling stuck and try something new together. I’m here to build safety to make the hard things a little less hard so you can start moving towards a life that feels authentic to you.
You deserve a neurodiversity-affirming therapist who supports sensory needs, advocates for disability, acknowledges systems of power and privilege, and is able to hold the grief that can come with navigating chronic illness.
I aim to create a space that accommodates all of you: your cultural identities, sexuality, gender, or neurodivergence. You may have had a therapist tell you that you’re “too self-aware” for therapy, or that “it seems like you have it all figured out”. And still, you’re dealing with buried trauma, emotions that feel too overwhelming to acknowledge, and wondering if there’s something wrong with you for “not getting it”. I want to meet you where you’re feeling stuck and try something new together. I’m here to build safety to make the hard things a little less hard so you can start moving towards a life that feels authentic to you.
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.
I specialize in trauma therapy, coping with chronic illness and chronic pain.
Trauma, stress, and major life changes can feel hard to manage alone. I can help you. My name is Dr. Araba Kuofie, and I’m a licensed clinical psychologist. I enjoy helping clients with diverse needs like depression, anxiety, and life transitions. I specialize in PTSD/trauma, women’s health issues, and those struggling with both chronic health issues and psychological conditions. Originally from West Africa, my personal immigrant experiences influence my holistic view of therapy. My approach to care is integrative. You are always at the center.
I specialize in trauma therapy, coping with chronic illness and chronic pain.
Trauma, stress, and major life changes can feel hard to manage alone. I can help you. My name is Dr. Araba Kuofie, and I’m a licensed clinical psychologist. I enjoy helping clients with diverse needs like depression, anxiety, and life transitions. I specialize in PTSD/trauma, women’s health issues, and those struggling with both chronic health issues and psychological conditions. Originally from West Africa, my personal immigrant experiences influence my holistic view of therapy. My approach to care is integrative. You are always at the center.
I specialize in supporting clients experiencing Anxiety, Depression, Religious, Medical, or Sexual traumas, Disability/ Chronic Illness, Bipolar & Personality disorders.
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 Anxiety, Depression, Religious, Medical, or Sexual traumas, Disability/ Chronic Illness, Bipolar & Personality disorders.
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 have a particular passion and expertise in supporting clients living with disabilities (such as chronic illness, physical disability, sensory impairments, ASD/ADHD, and rare diseases), however, I also enjoy working with individuals facing a variety of life challenges, including anxiety, depression, complex trauma, and relationship issues.
As a therapist, my goal is to co-create an authentic, safe, and courageous relationship with each unique individual. I firmly believe that within a strong therapeutic bond, beautiful transformations can unfold. My approach to therapy is characterized by openness, collaboration, affirmation, and honesty. I bring my full humanity into the therapeutic space and encourage each client to do the same. I utilize a blend of theoretical frameworks such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Somatically-Integrated Therapy, Art Therapy, "parts" work, and Feminist Therapy.
I have a particular passion and expertise in supporting clients living with disabilities (such as chronic illness, physical disability, sensory impairments, ASD/ADHD, and rare diseases), however, I also enjoy working with individuals facing a variety of life challenges, including anxiety, depression, complex trauma, and relationship issues.
As a therapist, my goal is to co-create an authentic, safe, and courageous relationship with each unique individual. I firmly believe that within a strong therapeutic bond, beautiful transformations can unfold. My approach to therapy is characterized by openness, collaboration, affirmation, and honesty. I bring my full humanity into the therapeutic space and encourage each client to do the same. I utilize a blend of theoretical frameworks such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Somatically-Integrated Therapy, Art Therapy, "parts" work, and Feminist Therapy.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive clinical experience working with diverse populations struggling with chronic illness, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and difficulty adjusting to a myriad of life stressors.
My approach incorporates third wave behavioral therapies and mindfulness-based practices in order to guide clients in becoming more accepting of their thoughts. With a focus on how behavioral patterns evolve over time, my aim is to help you take effective action in areas you can control and make improvements in the domains of life you value.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive clinical experience working with diverse populations struggling with chronic illness, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and difficulty adjusting to a myriad of life stressors.
My approach incorporates third wave behavioral therapies and mindfulness-based practices in order to guide clients in becoming more accepting of their thoughts. With a focus on how behavioral patterns evolve over time, my aim is to help you take effective action in areas you can control and make improvements in the domains of life you value.
She also has experience working with caregivers of individuals living with chronic illness.
Therapeutic services may include issues such as pain management, treatment adherence, sleep difficulties, general supportive therapy, and/or exploring the deeper meaning of how illness has affected one’s life. Dr. Feuer additionally has extensive experience and ongoing interest in working with people living with rare and genetic diseases.
She also has experience working with caregivers of individuals living with chronic illness.
Therapeutic services may include issues such as pain management, treatment adherence, sleep difficulties, general supportive therapy, and/or exploring the deeper meaning of how illness has affected one’s life. Dr. Feuer additionally has extensive experience and ongoing interest in working with people living with rare and genetic diseases.
I specialize in depression, anxiety, working with cancer patients, loss and grief, life transitions, relationship issues, as well chronic illness.
The therapeutic experience is as unique as one’s thumb print. I strive to help you achieve your goals in navigating life’s transitions and challenges by creating a safe place for you to process your feelings and concerns. It takes courage and strength to reach out and ask for help. I work collaboratively with each client to establish the best treatment plan based on their needs at the time we meet. I am supportive, non-judgmental and warm - with a calm style… and some humor.
I specialize in depression, anxiety, working with cancer patients, loss and grief, life transitions, relationship issues, as well chronic illness.
The therapeutic experience is as unique as one’s thumb print. I strive to help you achieve your goals in navigating life’s transitions and challenges by creating a safe place for you to process your feelings and concerns. It takes courage and strength to reach out and ask for help. I work collaboratively with each client to establish the best treatment plan based on their needs at the time we meet. I am supportive, non-judgmental and warm - with a calm style… and some humor.
You've been diagnosed with a terminal or chronic illness.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and am highly trained to help people with their emotional responses due to a medical diagnoses. To ensure I provide my clients with the best possible care, I implement evidence based treatments and frequently monitor progress in psychotherapy. I offer psychological evals; individual, couples, and group therapy
You've been diagnosed with a terminal or chronic illness.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and am highly trained to help people with their emotional responses due to a medical diagnoses. To ensure I provide my clients with the best possible care, I implement evidence based treatments and frequently monitor progress in psychotherapy. I offer psychological evals; individual, couples, and group therapy
Are you or a loved one facing the challenges of living with a chronic illness?
I utilize various evidence-based therapeutic approaches (e.g. CBT, ACT, trauma-focused therapy). I also provide at-home and/or in-clinic neurofeedback - a non-invasive EEG-guided biofeedback treatment. Together we tailor a treatment plan to meet your goals.
Are you or a loved one facing the challenges of living with a chronic illness?
I utilize various evidence-based therapeutic approaches (e.g. CBT, ACT, trauma-focused therapy). I also provide at-home and/or in-clinic neurofeedback - a non-invasive EEG-guided biofeedback treatment. Together we tailor a treatment plan to meet your goals.
If you are dealing with memory loss, chronic illness, caregiving, or bereavement, you might feel like you don’t know what to do next.
I am a certified grief counselor with over ten years of experience working with people with depression and anxiety, grief, early and younger onset dementia, caregivers, and those with chronic and terminal illnesses. My approach is collaborative, present, and empathetic.
If you are dealing with memory loss, chronic illness, caregiving, or bereavement, you might feel like you don’t know what to do next.
I am a certified grief counselor with over ten years of experience working with people with depression and anxiety, grief, early and younger onset dementia, caregivers, and those with chronic and terminal illnesses. My approach is collaborative, present, and empathetic.
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.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Chronic Illness Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Berwyn
- Brookfield
- Cicero
- Elmwood Park
- Forest Park
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Melrose Park
- Norridge
- Oak Park
- River Forest
- Riverside
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.