Chronic Illness Therapists in Dolton, IL
Hello. I am Monique Heilemeier and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Iowa. I have been in practice for 24 years in both private and community mental health practices both in person and through telehealth. My focus is helping clients to heal from a variety of traumatic experiences from childhood to adulthood, providing resources and tools to reduce suffering, increase self-compassion and self-acceptance, and improve daily functioning and my approach to therapy is to be a guide and partner throughout the healing process.
Hello. I am Monique Heilemeier and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Iowa. I have been in practice for 24 years in both private and community mental health practices both in person and through telehealth. My focus is helping clients to heal from a variety of traumatic experiences from childhood to adulthood, providing resources and tools to reduce suffering, increase self-compassion and self-acceptance, and improve daily functioning and my approach to therapy is to be a guide and partner throughout the healing process.
Hello! I am delighted to introduce myself to you. My name is Li Drummond. I have worked with many different presenting issues including adjustment issues, anxiety, depression, suicide risk, stress, loss, trauma, struggles with drugs and alcohol, family problems, child welfare, family problems, offenders, and relationship difficulties. I feel comfortable working with clients ranging in age from children to adults and feel especially well-equipped to work with clients facing discrimination and marginalization including members of various immigrant communities, LGBTQIA+ clientele, black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC).
Hello! I am delighted to introduce myself to you. My name is Li Drummond. I have worked with many different presenting issues including adjustment issues, anxiety, depression, suicide risk, stress, loss, trauma, struggles with drugs and alcohol, family problems, child welfare, family problems, offenders, and relationship difficulties. I feel comfortable working with clients ranging in age from children to adults and feel especially well-equipped to work with clients facing discrimination and marginalization including members of various immigrant communities, LGBTQIA+ clientele, black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC).
More Therapists Nearby
I have over 18 years of experience working with grief and loss, chronic illness and crisis management.
Healing is a journey that requires both expert guidance and a compassionate heart. Whether you are seeking support through a difficult time or looking for a safe space to consider life changes, help is within reach. My practice recognizes that life is a mix of struggles and adventures; the complexities of daily life make prioritizing ourselves difficult, but necessary. I offer a collaborative approach to help you establish personalized goals, meeting you where you are to foster resilience and support you on your journey forward.
I have over 18 years of experience working with grief and loss, chronic illness and crisis management.
Healing is a journey that requires both expert guidance and a compassionate heart. Whether you are seeking support through a difficult time or looking for a safe space to consider life changes, help is within reach. My practice recognizes that life is a mix of struggles and adventures; the complexities of daily life make prioritizing ourselves difficult, but necessary. I offer a collaborative approach to help you establish personalized goals, meeting you where you are to foster resilience and support you on your journey forward.
I have extensive training in trauma and have experience helping people work through life transitions, burnout, mood struggles and chronic illness.
While I have experience working with people from many different ages and identity groups, the focus of my current work is with young adults, college students, and creatives.
I have extensive training in trauma and have experience helping people work through life transitions, burnout, mood struggles and chronic illness.
While I have experience working with people from many different ages and identity groups, the focus of my current work is with young adults, college students, and creatives.
Hi and thank you for being here. My name is Akina and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I work with teens and adults who are feeling overwhelmed with life stressors. Maybe you're in decision paralysis, feeling stuck in worry, or finding it hard to establish boundaries to protect your time and energy. I am here to foster awareness and provide opportunities to interrupt ways of thinking and behaving that no longer feel helpful.
Hi and thank you for being here. My name is Akina and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I work with teens and adults who are feeling overwhelmed with life stressors. Maybe you're in decision paralysis, feeling stuck in worry, or finding it hard to establish boundaries to protect your time and energy. I am here to foster awareness and provide opportunities to interrupt ways of thinking and behaving that no longer feel helpful.
I work with individuals navigating chronic illness, disability, medical trauma, neurodivergence, life transitions, and identity exploration, as well as members of the LGBTQ+ community.
As a queer, disabled/chronically ill career-changer, my personal experience shapes how I show up as a clinician. I know life is not linear, and I do not expect progress to be, either. I bring a relational, conversational style to therapy–I believe showing up authentically is foundational to connection, and connection is where healing occurs.
I work with individuals navigating chronic illness, disability, medical trauma, neurodivergence, life transitions, and identity exploration, as well as members of the LGBTQ+ community.
As a queer, disabled/chronically ill career-changer, my personal experience shapes how I show up as a clinician. I know life is not linear, and I do not expect progress to be, either. I bring a relational, conversational style to therapy–I believe showing up authentically is foundational to connection, and connection is where healing occurs.
Hi, Me Jane. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 35 years of experience. It is difficult to seek help. I recognize the strength and courage it takes to reach out. You can feel safe, accepted, and listened to in our sessions. This is your time to be you and say what you need to unburden yourself. Sometimes we need guidance while at other times we need someone to listen and hold space for us. It is possible that you are looking for a fresh take on your circumstances or have tried "everything" out there and are ready to give up. You may feel discouraged but together we can work on what is important to you.
Hi, Me Jane. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 35 years of experience. It is difficult to seek help. I recognize the strength and courage it takes to reach out. You can feel safe, accepted, and listened to in our sessions. This is your time to be you and say what you need to unburden yourself. Sometimes we need guidance while at other times we need someone to listen and hold space for us. It is possible that you are looking for a fresh take on your circumstances or have tried "everything" out there and are ready to give up. You may feel discouraged but together we can work on what is important to you.
Much like the character Hamlet says to his friend in the play by William Shakespeare “there is more in heaven and earth than is dreamt of in our philosophy”. There is so much about life and living, loving and losing than we can possibly understand. Whatever philosophical ideas we hold, there is so much that remains unknowable. Because it resonates with my own respect for and curiosity about the mystery of being alive, my clinical practice is informed by existential thinking. Why is this happening? How can I survive? What does it mean? These are the questions underlying our reactions to and feelings about our lives.
Much like the character Hamlet says to his friend in the play by William Shakespeare “there is more in heaven and earth than is dreamt of in our philosophy”. There is so much about life and living, loving and losing than we can possibly understand. Whatever philosophical ideas we hold, there is so much that remains unknowable. Because it resonates with my own respect for and curiosity about the mystery of being alive, my clinical practice is informed by existential thinking. Why is this happening? How can I survive? What does it mean? These are the questions underlying our reactions to and feelings about our lives.
Most often, I have worked with clients with eating disorders, life transitions, and mood disorders. I believe in a harm-reduction approach that allows autonomy and collaboration within the relationship. My goal is to guide clients to a more meaningful life that is reflective of their own values. I will always plan to meet a client where they are at in recovery. That might include this being your first therapy experience, or your hundredth and we need to find what will work for you to have a sustainable recovery.
Most often, I have worked with clients with eating disorders, life transitions, and mood disorders. I believe in a harm-reduction approach that allows autonomy and collaboration within the relationship. My goal is to guide clients to a more meaningful life that is reflective of their own values. I will always plan to meet a client where they are at in recovery. That might include this being your first therapy experience, or your hundredth and we need to find what will work for you to have a sustainable recovery.
I often connect most with folks living with chronic illness, life transitions, anxiety and grief &loss.
You deserve a space where your experiences are met with compassion, curiosity, and care rather than pressure to simply “push through.” My approach is warm, collaborative, trauma-informed, and grounded in compassion. I integrate evidence-based approaches including ACT, CBT, and somatic awareness to help clients move away from survival-based coping and toward a life that feels more connected, empowered, and sustainable. I believe therapy should be a space where all parts of you are welcomed without judgment — including the parts that feel exhausted, angry, grieving, or afraid.
I often connect most with folks living with chronic illness, life transitions, anxiety and grief &loss.
You deserve a space where your experiences are met with compassion, curiosity, and care rather than pressure to simply “push through.” My approach is warm, collaborative, trauma-informed, and grounded in compassion. I integrate evidence-based approaches including ACT, CBT, and somatic awareness to help clients move away from survival-based coping and toward a life that feels more connected, empowered, and sustainable. I believe therapy should be a space where all parts of you are welcomed without judgment — including the parts that feel exhausted, angry, grieving, or afraid.
Today, I work with adults navigating grief and loss, chronic illness, infertility, parenting stress (particularly around neurodivergence), identity exploration, and major life transitions.
I believe that it’s the quality of the therapeutic relationship that makes therapy work. Something special happens when we allow ourselves to be witnessed, accepted, and seen by another person. I am privileged to be that witness every day. I listen to stories and silences: the words spoken aloud alongside the spaces between the words: that which is unspoken. In addition to being a therapist, I’m also a writer. Whether spoken aloud, scribbled onto the page of a journal, or silently rehearsed in our minds, the words we use matter.
Today, I work with adults navigating grief and loss, chronic illness, infertility, parenting stress (particularly around neurodivergence), identity exploration, and major life transitions.
I believe that it’s the quality of the therapeutic relationship that makes therapy work. Something special happens when we allow ourselves to be witnessed, accepted, and seen by another person. I am privileged to be that witness every day. I listen to stories and silences: the words spoken aloud alongside the spaces between the words: that which is unspoken. In addition to being a therapist, I’m also a writer. Whether spoken aloud, scribbled onto the page of a journal, or silently rehearsed in our minds, the words we use matter.
Finding the right therapist is incredibly important and I strive to create a non-judgmental and safe therapeutic environment. I work primarily with individual adult clients with a specialization in working with emerging adult women (ages 18 - 30). Within therapy, I focus on understanding your emotions, expressing your emotions in a healthy and constructive way, relationships, and how early childhood and family experiences have affected you so you are better able to create healthy coping mechanisms for the stresses of daily life.
Finding the right therapist is incredibly important and I strive to create a non-judgmental and safe therapeutic environment. I work primarily with individual adult clients with a specialization in working with emerging adult women (ages 18 - 30). Within therapy, I focus on understanding your emotions, expressing your emotions in a healthy and constructive way, relationships, and how early childhood and family experiences have affected you so you are better able to create healthy coping mechanisms for the stresses of daily life.
I believe that we are each influenced not only by our upbringing and families of origin, but also by the political and economic structures in which we live. For many of us, this means experiencing racial, economic, sexual and gender-based oppression, which impacts both our mental and physical health. As a working class member of the transgender community, I know how harmful it can be to live in a world that feels like it was built against you. But you are not alone in this. Together, we can work to make the world a safer, calmer, happier place for you.
I believe that we are each influenced not only by our upbringing and families of origin, but also by the political and economic structures in which we live. For many of us, this means experiencing racial, economic, sexual and gender-based oppression, which impacts both our mental and physical health. As a working class member of the transgender community, I know how harmful it can be to live in a world that feels like it was built against you. But you are not alone in this. Together, we can work to make the world a safer, calmer, happier place for you.
I help adults who struggle with trauma, disordered eating (including persistent binge eating after GLP‑1 use or weight‑loss surgery), and chronic illness find lasting relief through psychodynamic psychotherapy.
We will explore how chronic illness, medical treatments, loss, and life transitions affect mood, appetite, and self‑care. I specialize in complex, co‑occurring presentations and offer a nonjudgmental space for work aimed at deeper symptom relief and improved quality of life.
I help adults who struggle with trauma, disordered eating (including persistent binge eating after GLP‑1 use or weight‑loss surgery), and chronic illness find lasting relief through psychodynamic psychotherapy.
We will explore how chronic illness, medical treatments, loss, and life transitions affect mood, appetite, and self‑care. I specialize in complex, co‑occurring presentations and offer a nonjudgmental space for work aimed at deeper symptom relief and improved quality of life.
I have clinical experience developing coping skills for ADHD, processing childhood trauma, and discovering how to live with chronic illness.
In mental health work, I have found Expressive Arts to be helpful in healing, even if one isn't "artistically inclined". Sometimes when talking isn't always the solution, creativity steps in to help process. With all of my clients, I often use an eclectic approach with an emphasis on Somatic and Internal Family Systems Techniques.
I have clinical experience developing coping skills for ADHD, processing childhood trauma, and discovering how to live with chronic illness.
In mental health work, I have found Expressive Arts to be helpful in healing, even if one isn't "artistically inclined". Sometimes when talking isn't always the solution, creativity steps in to help process. With all of my clients, I often use an eclectic approach with an emphasis on Somatic and Internal Family Systems Techniques.
Life often brings change, transition and loss, and this can sometimes feel overwhelming. We often feel like we have to face these challenges alone, yet we can often benefit from seeking support. As a therapist, it's my role to encourage you to explore your goals and support your growth, so that you can live your life to its fullest. I strive to create a safe, open space for sharing, and approach work together with warmth and authenticity. Each person's story is unique, and we will work together to identify the strategies and approaches that will enhance your well-being and quality of life.
Life often brings change, transition and loss, and this can sometimes feel overwhelming. We often feel like we have to face these challenges alone, yet we can often benefit from seeking support. As a therapist, it's my role to encourage you to explore your goals and support your growth, so that you can live your life to its fullest. I strive to create a safe, open space for sharing, and approach work together with warmth and authenticity. Each person's story is unique, and we will work together to identify the strategies and approaches that will enhance your well-being and quality of life.
In one moment, your life can change forever. These turning points in life often lead to us question everything we have known. As we try to pick up the pieces of our life, we can get lost along the way. We are here to help you to find your way and overall become healthier.
In one moment, your life can change forever. These turning points in life often lead to us question everything we have known. As we try to pick up the pieces of our life, we can get lost along the way. We are here to help you to find your way and overall become healthier.
Hello and Welcome! My goal in working with you is to meet you where you are at and to encourage and guide you towards the change you are seeking whether it is for yourself or a loved one. I have over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families. I aim to provide a patient, warm and non judgmental environment.
Hello and Welcome! My goal in working with you is to meet you where you are at and to encourage and guide you towards the change you are seeking whether it is for yourself or a loved one. I have over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families. I aim to provide a patient, warm and non judgmental environment.
Life is full of “shoulds.” Family, friends, and society often have a very clear idea of the path we’re supposed to be on, but we believe that peace and empowerment lie in finding your own path- worrying less about the expectations of others and more about what you want your life to look like. Taking an alternative path or changing route along the way is difficult. Therapy can help as you strive to be true to yourself on the journey. We offer a space where individuals learn to utilize their personal strengths to live their most meaningful lives, develop fulfilling relationships, and find true liberation.
Life is full of “shoulds.” Family, friends, and society often have a very clear idea of the path we’re supposed to be on, but we believe that peace and empowerment lie in finding your own path- worrying less about the expectations of others and more about what you want your life to look like. Taking an alternative path or changing route along the way is difficult. Therapy can help as you strive to be true to yourself on the journey. We offer a space where individuals learn to utilize their personal strengths to live their most meaningful lives, develop fulfilling relationships, and find true liberation.
I specialize in providing attachment-focused, trauma-informed, & culturally attuned therapy for transitional age youth, adults, and groups. I like working with diverse populations including groups that have experienced marginalization and oppression.
I have been in the Mental Health field for over 20 years and have worked in a variety of treatment settings including outpatient, community mental health, homes, hospitals, crisis settings, and domestic violence centers. Additionally, I have extensive experience working with Grief and Loss, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, medical trauma, and end of life care.
I specialize in providing attachment-focused, trauma-informed, & culturally attuned therapy for transitional age youth, adults, and groups. I like working with diverse populations including groups that have experienced marginalization and oppression.
I have been in the Mental Health field for over 20 years and have worked in a variety of treatment settings including outpatient, community mental health, homes, hospitals, crisis settings, and domestic violence centers. Additionally, I have extensive experience working with Grief and Loss, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, medical trauma, and end of life care.
See more therapy options for Dolton
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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.