Chronic Illness Therapists in Largo, MD
In working with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, life transitions, and other challenges, I use an eclectic approach that is both client-centered and psychodynamic. Treatment progresses at the client’s pace and is grounded in the development of a strong therapeutic relationship. By integrating insight-oriented exploration with individualized interventions, I support clients in understanding the root of their struggles while empowering them to build coping skills, resilience, and personal growth. As an ordained minister, I provide Christian-based counseling with the Client's consent..
In working with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, life transitions, and other challenges, I use an eclectic approach that is both client-centered and psychodynamic. Treatment progresses at the client’s pace and is grounded in the development of a strong therapeutic relationship. By integrating insight-oriented exploration with individualized interventions, I support clients in understanding the root of their struggles while empowering them to build coping skills, resilience, and personal growth. As an ordained minister, I provide Christian-based counseling with the Client's consent..
I bring more than 20 years of experience providing psychotherapy, clinical supervision, training, and consultation. I support individuals navigating childhood trauma, grief and loss, domestic violence, and the emotional strain of life’s overwhelming challenges.
My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and strengths-based. I provide a supportive space where clients can process difficult experiences, build effective coping skills, strengthen resilience, and move toward healing and greater emotional well-being.
I bring more than 20 years of experience providing psychotherapy, clinical supervision, training, and consultation. I support individuals navigating childhood trauma, grief and loss, domestic violence, and the emotional strain of life’s overwhelming challenges.
My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and strengths-based. I provide a supportive space where clients can process difficult experiences, build effective coping skills, strengthen resilience, and move toward healing and greater emotional well-being.
More Therapists Nearby
I work with individuals across the lifespan - from children to older adults - and focus specifically on helping individuals with OCD, anxiety, trauma, psychotic disorders, and personality disorders. I am also passionate about working with individuals with co-occurring medical conditions and psychological distress. Finally, I am also privileged to work with many neurodiverse individuals. Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), we will practice responding flexibly and compassionately to difficult thoughts and feelings, connect to values, and (re)build a life worth living.
I work with individuals across the lifespan - from children to older adults - and focus specifically on helping individuals with OCD, anxiety, trauma, psychotic disorders, and personality disorders. I am also passionate about working with individuals with co-occurring medical conditions and psychological distress. Finally, I am also privileged to work with many neurodiverse individuals. Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), we will practice responding flexibly and compassionately to difficult thoughts and feelings, connect to values, and (re)build a life worth living.
Feeling overwhelmed? Stuck? Let’s talk! My approach is a combination of “patient-centered” and “integrative.” That means that I’ll focus on your unique situation as we work to get you where you want to go. One of my key goals is to help clients reduce their distress and increase coping skills. That looks differently for everyone. For some, that involves a new issue in their life. For others, it may mean grappling with longstanding thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that they want to change.
Feeling overwhelmed? Stuck? Let’s talk! My approach is a combination of “patient-centered” and “integrative.” That means that I’ll focus on your unique situation as we work to get you where you want to go. One of my key goals is to help clients reduce their distress and increase coping skills. That looks differently for everyone. For some, that involves a new issue in their life. For others, it may mean grappling with longstanding thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that they want to change.
I specialize in helping individuals navigating infertility, chronic illness or pain, burnout, caregiving, grief and anxiety.
Supporting You Through Life’s Challenges with Compassion and Care
You’re the one everyone relies on—but lately, it feels like too much. You’re managing a demanding career, navigating ongoing health concerns or chronic pain, or facing the emotional weight of infertility. From the outside, it may look like you’re holding everything together, but inside you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and alone in what you’re carrying.
I work with individuals who are used to pushing through—whether that’s at work, in their relationships, or through complex medical experiences—but are now feeling burned out, anxious, or disconnected.
I specialize in helping individuals navigating infertility, chronic illness or pain, burnout, caregiving, grief and anxiety.
Supporting You Through Life’s Challenges with Compassion and Care
You’re the one everyone relies on—but lately, it feels like too much. You’re managing a demanding career, navigating ongoing health concerns or chronic pain, or facing the emotional weight of infertility. From the outside, it may look like you’re holding everything together, but inside you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and alone in what you’re carrying.
I work with individuals who are used to pushing through—whether that’s at work, in their relationships, or through complex medical experiences—but are now feeling burned out, anxious, or disconnected.
I am a pediatric psychologist who works with children, teens, young adults, and families facing complex challenges, including medical illness, grief, trauma, developmental concerns, and school-related needs.
Some children and families are dealing with more than one thing at a time. It may be a medical diagnosis alongside school struggles. Grief layered on top of anxiety. Developmental concerns in the middle of a family transition. Or a child who is trying to manage something hard while the adults around them are doing the same. Families usually find their way to me when something feels more layered than expected.
I am a pediatric psychologist who works with children, teens, young adults, and families facing complex challenges, including medical illness, grief, trauma, developmental concerns, and school-related needs.
Some children and families are dealing with more than one thing at a time. It may be a medical diagnosis alongside school struggles. Grief layered on top of anxiety. Developmental concerns in the middle of a family transition. Or a child who is trying to manage something hard while the adults around them are doing the same. Families usually find their way to me when something feels more layered than expected.
You may be feeling dissatisfied with your life, your relationships or your work. Or, perhaps you have had a dramatic change recently that has disrupted your emotional wellbeing. Maybe you or a family member been diagnosed with a chronic medical condition. Together we can find your path to contentment and satisfaction. I provide compassionate counseling for people a seeking greater balance, self-acceptance and tools for managing personal and health challenges.
You may be feeling dissatisfied with your life, your relationships or your work. Or, perhaps you have had a dramatic change recently that has disrupted your emotional wellbeing. Maybe you or a family member been diagnosed with a chronic medical condition. Together we can find your path to contentment and satisfaction. I provide compassionate counseling for people a seeking greater balance, self-acceptance and tools for managing personal and health challenges.
I offer a direct, collaborative therapy style, using psychodynamic, humanistic and cognitive approaches. I treat adult individuals and couples experiencing distress from anxiety and depression, significant life transitions and change, difficult relationships, and challenges resulting from cancer and other medical illnesses. In an environment of trust and support, I will help you safely explore your thoughts and feelings, discover new perspectives and develop more effective coping strategies--all with the goal of enhancing your well being.
I offer a direct, collaborative therapy style, using psychodynamic, humanistic and cognitive approaches. I treat adult individuals and couples experiencing distress from anxiety and depression, significant life transitions and change, difficult relationships, and challenges resulting from cancer and other medical illnesses. In an environment of trust and support, I will help you safely explore your thoughts and feelings, discover new perspectives and develop more effective coping strategies--all with the goal of enhancing your well being.
I offer support to international people as they adapt to a new culture, to those facing a chronic illness or medical trauma, and to women throughout perimenopause and menopause.
Additionally, I have experience in helping couples navigate conflict, and in working through issues of parenting, co-parenting, and custody agreements, with an emphasis on preserving emotional well-being and prioritizing children’s needs. Together, we’ll improve communication patterns, reduce conflict, and move toward healing and resolution.
I offer support to international people as they adapt to a new culture, to those facing a chronic illness or medical trauma, and to women throughout perimenopause and menopause.
Additionally, I have experience in helping couples navigate conflict, and in working through issues of parenting, co-parenting, and custody agreements, with an emphasis on preserving emotional well-being and prioritizing children’s needs. Together, we’ll improve communication patterns, reduce conflict, and move toward healing and resolution.
Because of my own life experience (HI, MTHFR, MCAS, mold poisoning), I work with people with chronic illness.
I offer solution-focused therapy with a sense of humor. We WILL laugh in session, sometimes in spite of the tears. I use A.R.T., CBT, REBT, somatic and parts work, along with spiritual, existential, and strengths-based approaches—all focused on integrative and holistic approaches. My goal is that you leave sessions feeling more hopeful than when you started.
Because of my own life experience (HI, MTHFR, MCAS, mold poisoning), I work with people with chronic illness.
I offer solution-focused therapy with a sense of humor. We WILL laugh in session, sometimes in spite of the tears. I use A.R.T., CBT, REBT, somatic and parts work, along with spiritual, existential, and strengths-based approaches—all focused on integrative and holistic approaches. My goal is that you leave sessions feeling more hopeful than when you started.
Finding a therapist with whom one can form a trusting working relationship is essential to a successful therapeutic experience, no matter what the issue.
I've been in private practice for over twenty years working with adults, adolescents and children in individual, couples and family therapy. I've also worked in community mental health and psychiatric hospitals, as well as medical and psychology training programs.
I enjoy working with a broad range of issues. With adults these may include long-standing difficulties with anxiety, depression, loss, chronic emotional or medical illness, as well as relationship issues.
Prior to becoming a psychologist I taught both elementary and high school. I've worked extensively with youngsters of all ages, as well as their parents, to address developmental, emotional and parenting challenges specific to these age groups.
My work is grounded in a psychdynamic understanding of the individual. This informs my choice of the particular treatment approach I might suggest. I have training and experience in insight oriented, cognitive-behavioral, and emotionally-focused treatment.
If you feel I might be helpful, please contact me.
Finding a therapist with whom one can form a trusting working relationship is essential to a successful therapeutic experience, no matter what the issue.
I've been in private practice for over twenty years working with adults, adolescents and children in individual, couples and family therapy. I've also worked in community mental health and psychiatric hospitals, as well as medical and psychology training programs.
I enjoy working with a broad range of issues. With adults these may include long-standing difficulties with anxiety, depression, loss, chronic emotional or medical illness, as well as relationship issues.
Prior to becoming a psychologist I taught both elementary and high school. I've worked extensively with youngsters of all ages, as well as their parents, to address developmental, emotional and parenting challenges specific to these age groups.
My work is grounded in a psychdynamic understanding of the individual. This informs my choice of the particular treatment approach I might suggest. I have training and experience in insight oriented, cognitive-behavioral, and emotionally-focused treatment.
If you feel I might be helpful, please contact me.
Sometimes, core parts of who we are fall outside of what is considered normal or acceptable. It can feel impossible to understand yourself. You might feel invisible or wonder if you’re really the problem. You know that hiding these parts of yourself doesn’t feel right and isn’t sustainable. At the same time, you question whether it’s worth all the pain that might come from fully exploring and expressing yourself.
Sometimes, core parts of who we are fall outside of what is considered normal or acceptable. It can feel impossible to understand yourself. You might feel invisible or wonder if you’re really the problem. You know that hiding these parts of yourself doesn’t feel right and isn’t sustainable. At the same time, you question whether it’s worth all the pain that might come from fully exploring and expressing yourself.
As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, a trauma survivor, and someone with a chronic pain disorder; I approach the work that I do from a place of empathy and personal understanding. I have an intense passion for understanding personal identity and the way race, culture, class, and sexuality come together to form what we believe about ourselves and what we feel we can accomplish in our lives. Anxiety and trauma can live in our bodies - together we will create a relationship that fosters dynamic and lasting growth, tapping into undiscovered reserves of resiliency that will help navigate the past and prepare for a more hopeful future.
As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, a trauma survivor, and someone with a chronic pain disorder; I approach the work that I do from a place of empathy and personal understanding. I have an intense passion for understanding personal identity and the way race, culture, class, and sexuality come together to form what we believe about ourselves and what we feel we can accomplish in our lives. Anxiety and trauma can live in our bodies - together we will create a relationship that fosters dynamic and lasting growth, tapping into undiscovered reserves of resiliency that will help navigate the past and prepare for a more hopeful future.
In addition to chronic illness, my expertise includes management of emotional difficulties including anxiety (e.g., OCD, generalized, phobias) and depression.
I am a clinical psychologist currently providing psychotherapy to young adults. I specialize in working with individuals who have medical conditions (e.g., chronic pain, headaches, diabetes, sleep disturbances) and chronic illnesses such as MCAS, POTS, EDS. I am uniquely qualified to provide psychological services for illness management including adjustment to medical conditions and medically related treatment. My goal is to help you function in daily life not to just get by, but to live the life you want to live.
In addition to chronic illness, my expertise includes management of emotional difficulties including anxiety (e.g., OCD, generalized, phobias) and depression.
I am a clinical psychologist currently providing psychotherapy to young adults. I specialize in working with individuals who have medical conditions (e.g., chronic pain, headaches, diabetes, sleep disturbances) and chronic illnesses such as MCAS, POTS, EDS. I am uniquely qualified to provide psychological services for illness management including adjustment to medical conditions and medically related treatment. My goal is to help you function in daily life not to just get by, but to live the life you want to live.
You are resilient! Making the decision to ask for support can be difficult and shows a great deal of courage. Are you ready to deal with the issues that seem to keep you feeling stuck and overwhelmed? It is time to make yourself a priority and connect with your inner strengths. You are not alone, let me take that journey with you in a safe, therapeutic, and nonjudgmental space. You can be your absolute authentic self as you strive for Infinite Growth-Life & Wellness.
You are resilient! Making the decision to ask for support can be difficult and shows a great deal of courage. Are you ready to deal with the issues that seem to keep you feeling stuck and overwhelmed? It is time to make yourself a priority and connect with your inner strengths. You are not alone, let me take that journey with you in a safe, therapeutic, and nonjudgmental space. You can be your absolute authentic self as you strive for Infinite Growth-Life & Wellness.
I've also helped clients with chronic illness or disabilities maximize quality of life and reach goals, such as returning to work or school, or being a better parent or spouse.
I build my practice around the concept that life doesn’t have to narrow or worsen because of a diagnosis or symptoms of an illness. Personal relationships and everyday tasks that once felt tedious and mandatory can all deepen in meaning- when viewed in a different light. Goals that seem impossible now may just need guidance and a creative approach.
I've also helped clients with chronic illness or disabilities maximize quality of life and reach goals, such as returning to work or school, or being a better parent or spouse.
I build my practice around the concept that life doesn’t have to narrow or worsen because of a diagnosis or symptoms of an illness. Personal relationships and everyday tasks that once felt tedious and mandatory can all deepen in meaning- when viewed in a different light. Goals that seem impossible now may just need guidance and a creative approach.
Are you looking to grow in wisdom and compassion? For yourself? Your situation? In relationships? Diane Younkins provides support for adults who feel stuck or are in transition and want to develop in wisdom and maturity, love and compassion. Using mindfulness insight and other techniques, she encourages authentic living with awareness, gentleness, humor, creativity and courage.
Are you looking to grow in wisdom and compassion? For yourself? Your situation? In relationships? Diane Younkins provides support for adults who feel stuck or are in transition and want to develop in wisdom and maturity, love and compassion. Using mindfulness insight and other techniques, she encourages authentic living with awareness, gentleness, humor, creativity and courage.
My ideal clients are adults navigating the complex emotional terrain of chronic illness and health challenges.
Drawing from personal experience with autoimmune disease and hearing loss, I offer specialized support for those navigating chronic health challenges. Having navigated significant life disruptions myself—from war zones to health challenges - I provide empathetic guidance for transforming limitation into meaningful adaptation.
My ideal clients are adults navigating the complex emotional terrain of chronic illness and health challenges.
Drawing from personal experience with autoimmune disease and hearing loss, I offer specialized support for those navigating chronic health challenges. Having navigated significant life disruptions myself—from war zones to health challenges - I provide empathetic guidance for transforming limitation into meaningful adaptation.
Tessa Walls, LCPC is a dedicated therapist who offers telehealth services specializing in guiding clients through life’s transitions with compassion and professionalism. She brings a wealth of knowledge in grief, relationship conflict, life changes, college and career counseling, self-esteem, neurodivergence, and spirituality in therapy. She has expertise in working with clients with depression, anxiety, and trauma. Holding a Certificate of Advanced Study in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University Maryland and a Master's degree from the University of Maryland College Park in Clinical Psychological Science.
Tessa Walls, LCPC is a dedicated therapist who offers telehealth services specializing in guiding clients through life’s transitions with compassion and professionalism. She brings a wealth of knowledge in grief, relationship conflict, life changes, college and career counseling, self-esteem, neurodivergence, and spirituality in therapy. She has expertise in working with clients with depression, anxiety, and trauma. Holding a Certificate of Advanced Study in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University Maryland and a Master's degree from the University of Maryland College Park in Clinical Psychological Science.
Managing a medical condition or physical disability often means carrying a weight the world simply doesn’t see. The bone deep exhaustion, the sting of being misunderstood, and the relentless grind of balancing survival with daily life can feel like a theft of your true self. I’ve been there; I understand these hurdles personally. In our sessions, we won’t just "manage" symptoms, we will honor the fierce complexity of your journey. Together, we’ll reclaim your identity from your diagnosis and adapt to life's shifts without losing your soul. You are far more than a medical chart; you are a person worthy of a grounded, powerful life.
Managing a medical condition or physical disability often means carrying a weight the world simply doesn’t see. The bone deep exhaustion, the sting of being misunderstood, and the relentless grind of balancing survival with daily life can feel like a theft of your true self. I’ve been there; I understand these hurdles personally. In our sessions, we won’t just "manage" symptoms, we will honor the fierce complexity of your journey. Together, we’ll reclaim your identity from your diagnosis and adapt to life's shifts without losing your soul. You are far more than a medical chart; you are a person worthy of a grounded, powerful life.
See more therapy options for Largo
Nearby Chronic Illness Therapists Searches for Largo
- Bowie
- Capitol Heights
- Clinton
- College Park
- Crofton
- Greenbelt
- Hyattsville
- Lanham
- Mount Rainier
- Riverdale
- Suitland
- Upper Marlboro
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.