Chronic Illness Therapists in Kalamazoo, MI
See all therapists in Kalamazoo
April Davenport
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, CDP
Verified
Verified
Are you experiencing caregiver stress or burn-out? Are you experiencing mood changes related to aging or
chronic illness
? If so, I would love to offer you therapeutic support. I work collaboratively with clients to meet their goals of care. As a social worker, I believe in the importance of identifying and utilizing each individual’s unique strengths.

Deb Koning
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, CT, PMH-C
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
It's important to know that seeking counseling is not a sign of weakness, but rather a courageous step towards healing and growth. Dealing with grief, loss, trauma,
chronic illness
, or other challenges can be overwhelming and emotionally draining. We will work together to address your concerns and goals for counseling. I offer a safe and compassionate space in which to talk.

Marisa Kowalski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified
Verified
I have experience working with people who are facing challenges in their lives. Whether it be mental health, adjusting to a difficult time or stressful life transition,
chronic illness
and/or chronic pain, processing trauma and grief, work stress, or caregiver stress/burnout I provide a safe and comfortable environment for you to explore and resolve the issues you are dealing with.

Bobbie Jo Heiser-Abel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified
Verified
I have worked with people dealing with depression,
chronic illness
, substance use, and grief.
It's easy to get swept away by the daily struggle and getting back on track can be difficult. Something doesn’t feel right. Maybe you feel like you’re going through the motions or maybe you feel more on edge lately. You could have had these feelings for ages or for days. Even simply thinking about change can feel overwhelming. You want to feel better, but you don’t know where or how to start. You need help, and I’m here to help you.

Carrie Dall
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
Verified
It is safe to say, life doesn’t always go according to plan. And at times seeking help and support is the most courageous step you can take. YOU are the narrator of your story, and it is my hope to guide you to be the best possible version of yourself. Over the past 11 years I have worked with clients dealing with
chronic illness
, situational stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem & depression through an eclectic approach using CBT, motivational interviewing and EMDR.

Mallory Davis-Fountain
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I have experience working with people struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, identity, and
chronic illness
.
Making the steps towards healing and growth can be difficult. I am a strong believer that we were never designed to navigate through life alone. Life can be incredibly challenging at times, and more often than not in ways that we would never expect. Whether you are feeling depressed, anxious, hopeless, or maybe experiencing grief, you deserve a safe space to process. I strive to always meet my clients where they're at in an inclusive and non-judgmental space. My hope is that we can work collaboratively together to embrace challenges, identify your strengths and develop healthy coping skills to help you thrive.

Terri Ratliff
PhD, LLPC
Verified
Verified
Life can change in a flash. Transitions are not always expected. Job loss,
chronic illness
, death of a loved one, a pandemic - not to mention those we do plan, such as moving, empty nest, retirement, and others. We often try to avoid transitions because change can be hard. Even a positive change can cause feelings of loss, anxiety, overwhelmed and often leads to anxiety or depression. The good news is those suffering from emotional instability, a trauma & loss, or other mental health illnesses can learn new tools and skills to maneuver their way to a new calm and peace.

Maggie Severe
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, RN
Verified
Verified
Hello. I work with late teens, young adults and adults as they meet the challenge of difficult emotions such as: sadness, anxiety, loneliness, frustration, anger, fear, disappointment, grief. Navigating what a full life has to offer can be complicated and at times surprising; relationship problems, school issues, parenting concerns, family conflict, multicultural issues can leave us feeling uncertain and alone. Life transitions can bring their own unique challenges: marriage/partnering, pregnancy, childbirth, medical and/or mental health diagnoses, divorce, blending family, death and dying each can challenge our usual coping skills.

Brooke Leigh Baldwin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified
Verified
Emerging professional seeking an Opportunity as a clinical social worker to utilize a highly compassionate nature to help individuals lead better lives.

Amy and Brandon Pung
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
Verified
I have been in practice in Kalamazoo for over 10 years. I am certified in Trauma Informed Assessment and Intervention, as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, play therapy, and have expertise in several parenting approaches. In addition to clinical practice, I am a school social worker, and proud father of 8 children. I use a person-centered approach, allowing clients to set their goals, providing a safe space and supportive environment to move them in the direction of their goals.

Awakenings Christian Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, HHP, ACS
Verified
Verified
Our highly trained and compassionate therapists are here to help as am I. Whether you are experiencing crisis from COVID 19 or stress from everyday events, we are here. Life can quickly take a turn leaving us in shock, feeling like our future is uncertain and out of control. Seeking help processing is the first step to healing. Whether personally struggling with a diagnosis or the family member of someone who is, I am here. Are you dealing with a pending loss or a recent death? Regardless of the situation, loss is debilitating to those close to the situation. Know that you are not judged as you walk through this process.
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Fran Morrow
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW, ACSW
Verified
Verified
As a counselor, it is my role to help individuals explore their life transitions and challenges and to promote self care techniques as they move through this process. I have worked with individuals and families in a variety of settings for more than 30 years using various treatment models that promote individual strengths.

Emilie M Musialczyk
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
Verified
We are living in a very trying time that can make us feel isolated, fearful and uncertain of the future. We may be experiencing emotions we have never felt before and don't quite know why or how to cope. Seeking therapy is not an all or nothing process, sometimes it is just needing someone to touch base with to help work through feelings or thoughts in a safe and non-judgmental space. Through exploration we can uncover barriers & work toward a healthier quality of life. Through discussion and reflection we become empowered to reconnect with our inner voice to help us feel more in control and less overwhelmed.

Kari Wildner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, APHSW-C
Verified
Verified
I believe we all deserve to feel heard and to experience authentic connection with someone. My goal is to create a therapeutic relationship where you feel empowered and motivated to create positive change in your life. Sometimes we get stuck in patterns and need help to get back in touch with the most important relationship---the one we have with ourselves. This takes trust, support, time and accountability. My role as a therapist is as both a guide and as a witness, helping you to explore and overcome barriers to living fully by drawing upon your own strengths.
Not accepting new clients

Lissa Perkins
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
You are ready to find a better way to end your emotional and physical pain. Successful clients of EMDR learn to change old habits of thoughts and behaviors so you can have a life with less suffering and more joy. Let me help you heal and grow with love, compassion and humor! Studies in EMDR psychotherapy shows that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma. EMDR therapy has been recognized as an effective form of treatment by the World Health Organization and the Veterans Administration. Email me today. I will try to return your emails within 48 business hours.
Office is near:
Kalamazoo, MI 49001 Not accepting new clients
Waitlist for new clients

Andrea Caskey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Human beings are in a constant state of coping, healing or growth. I love having the opportunity to guide and support individuals through these various states. I am trained in trauma informed practice and enjoy working with individuals who have experienced trauma across the lifespan. I also have experience working with individuals with anxiety, depression, gender dysphoria, LGBTQIA+, and parenting challenges. I believe that self-awareness and mindfulness are powerful tools in helping us navigate life and I want to help you find what works for you.

Cortney Jebelian
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I specialize in OCD, anxiety, and perfectionism. People who come to me often feel anxious, misunderstood, and invalidated. They may have tried other types of therapy with limited results.

Benjamin James Stuebs
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
The hardest step in change is asking someone for help. Therapy is a collaborative, coaching, and self-building journey where we work together to accomplish your desired goals. I enjoy working with men and women on depression, grief and loss, anxiety, men's issues, self-esteem, relationship challenges, obesity and weight loss, chronic pain, and long-term disabilities such as visual impairment.
Not accepting new clients

Joetta L Carr
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
Are you struggling with situations and relationships that cause distress, pain, anxiety, sadness and loneliness? I can guide you in analyzing your problems in the context of your relationships, families, support systems, work or school environments and other cultural factors. I assist people in improving their lives in areas of intimacy, relationships, health, career or vocation, and self-worth. Identifying and modulating emotions and self-talk can be very therapeutic and decrease stress and worry.

Beth E Jones
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MA, CDC
Verified
Verified
Welcome! I have 2 core therapy philosophies: First, your thoughts will mislead you, if unexamined. Second: "Live Your Best Life" - not your diagnoses or issues. You're here because: 1. You're suffering from painful thoughts and overwhelming feelings; 2. Self-destructive habits are harming your progress and relationships; 3. You want to Safely collaborate with a warm, dynamic expert to solve confusing issues. I can help! I'm a Seasoned, Clinically-Licensed Therapist employing: CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy); DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy); S/A (Substance Abuse Therapy); MAT (Mindfulness Awareness Training) and TIP (Thought Inquiry Power).
See more therapy options for
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.