Chronic Illness Therapists in Virginia, MN
As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), I am deeply committed to supporting individuals and couples on their journey towards healing and self-discovery. I work with individuals aged 13 and older who struggle with symptoms related to unresolved trauma, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and OCD. I create a safe and compassionate space where individuals can explore their innermost thoughts and emotions. My goal is to empower clients to tap into their inner resilience and cultivate a sense of wholeness.
As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), I am deeply committed to supporting individuals and couples on their journey towards healing and self-discovery. I work with individuals aged 13 and older who struggle with symptoms related to unresolved trauma, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and OCD. I create a safe and compassionate space where individuals can explore their innermost thoughts and emotions. My goal is to empower clients to tap into their inner resilience and cultivate a sense of wholeness.
Many of the individuals I work with struggle with managing daily life stressors. This may be due to experiencing a traumatic childhood, recovering from a recent traumatic event, or having trouble juggling the demands placed on them. Many people find themselves stuck or “going through the motions” and are looking for validation that they are not alone as well as help with finding hope and a purpose in their lives.
Many of the individuals I work with struggle with managing daily life stressors. This may be due to experiencing a traumatic childhood, recovering from a recent traumatic event, or having trouble juggling the demands placed on them. Many people find themselves stuck or “going through the motions” and are looking for validation that they are not alone as well as help with finding hope and a purpose in their lives.
I have worked with adults, adolescents, elders and children. I am comfortable working with anyone, but especially people who have experienced trauma, are in crisis, are struggling with substance use, are LGBTQ+, are Indigenous, are Autistic, have ADHD, or have Borderline Personality Disorder to name a few. While we are each unique communities, I have found myself to be well atuned to the needs and goals of my Indigenous clients as I am indigenous myself and get to practice my culture. My clients' goals usually include an increased feeling of security/safety, community integration, & relationship or interpersonal effectiveness.
I have worked with adults, adolescents, elders and children. I am comfortable working with anyone, but especially people who have experienced trauma, are in crisis, are struggling with substance use, are LGBTQ+, are Indigenous, are Autistic, have ADHD, or have Borderline Personality Disorder to name a few. While we are each unique communities, I have found myself to be well atuned to the needs and goals of my Indigenous clients as I am indigenous myself and get to practice my culture. My clients' goals usually include an increased feeling of security/safety, community integration, & relationship or interpersonal effectiveness.
In the last 27 years I have worked with clients who have sought to make changes in their lives. I have extensive experience in the areas of depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, relationship issues and grief and loss. My passion is helping individuals, families and couples find ways which support the desired growth and change they are seeking. I focus on individual, couple or family strengths brought into sessions as a building place for the onset of healing and change to take place. My collaborative and straightforward approach with clients has empowered them to take needed steps to achieve their goals.
In the last 27 years I have worked with clients who have sought to make changes in their lives. I have extensive experience in the areas of depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, relationship issues and grief and loss. My passion is helping individuals, families and couples find ways which support the desired growth and change they are seeking. I focus on individual, couple or family strengths brought into sessions as a building place for the onset of healing and change to take place. My collaborative and straightforward approach with clients has empowered them to take needed steps to achieve their goals.
More Therapists Nearby
Leah Pillsbury
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I also have extensive experience working with individuals who have cancer and/or a chronic illness.
Life throws a lot our way and sometimes it can be hard to know how to handle it all. Most of us were never taught the tools to manage emotional and mental challenges, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Let me help you uncover what’s keeping you from living your best life! I have a unique ability to relate to my clients on a personal level. I view therapy as a collaborative process that can lead to growth. My style includes authenticity, humor, warmth, and provides a safe space for my clients to feel welcomed, heard and validated. I am a safe place to land each week. Let me help carry the weight!
I also have extensive experience working with individuals who have cancer and/or a chronic illness.
Life throws a lot our way and sometimes it can be hard to know how to handle it all. Most of us were never taught the tools to manage emotional and mental challenges, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Let me help you uncover what’s keeping you from living your best life! I have a unique ability to relate to my clients on a personal level. I view therapy as a collaborative process that can lead to growth. My style includes authenticity, humor, warmth, and provides a safe space for my clients to feel welcomed, heard and validated. I am a safe place to land each week. Let me help carry the weight!
As a Master of Social Work from Aurora University, I completed a clinical and forensic concentration, which equipped me to provide a range of therapeutic services to individuals, families, and communities. I am committed to advancing social justice and advocacy on behalf of and beside my clients and community as a dedicated and compassionate professional.
As a Master of Social Work from Aurora University, I completed a clinical and forensic concentration, which equipped me to provide a range of therapeutic services to individuals, families, and communities. I am committed to advancing social justice and advocacy on behalf of and beside my clients and community as a dedicated and compassionate professional.
You know something needs to change-but insight alone isn’t cutting it. Let’s get to the root of what’s keeping you stuck and retrain the brain to heal. Life can be challenging, and we all need some help navigating the tough parts at times. I’m glad you’re here. I work with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, relationship issues, and behavioral challenges. My approach is brain-based and person-centered—focused on helping you understand the root causes of what’s keeping you stuck. Together, we’ll work as a team to build insight, shift patterns, and move toward healing and personal growth.
You know something needs to change-but insight alone isn’t cutting it. Let’s get to the root of what’s keeping you stuck and retrain the brain to heal. Life can be challenging, and we all need some help navigating the tough parts at times. I’m glad you’re here. I work with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, relationship issues, and behavioral challenges. My approach is brain-based and person-centered—focused on helping you understand the root causes of what’s keeping you stuck. Together, we’ll work as a team to build insight, shift patterns, and move toward healing and personal growth.
Kind Mind reserves the right to be exceptionally kind regardless of gender, age, race, religion, ethnicity, past actions, political outlook, sexual orientation, social status, class, appearance, language, or occupation. Kind Mind Center believes in the innate ability of all people to reach their fullest potential as a creative, compassionate, and conscious being. Kind Mind Center provides dedicated and professional integrative health, mental health & substance abuse therapeutic services with a person-centered professional approach, serving all people, from all walks of life, with compassion, dignity & respect.
Kind Mind reserves the right to be exceptionally kind regardless of gender, age, race, religion, ethnicity, past actions, political outlook, sexual orientation, social status, class, appearance, language, or occupation. Kind Mind Center believes in the innate ability of all people to reach their fullest potential as a creative, compassionate, and conscious being. Kind Mind Center provides dedicated and professional integrative health, mental health & substance abuse therapeutic services with a person-centered professional approach, serving all people, from all walks of life, with compassion, dignity & respect.
Online Therapists
Whatever experiences life has brought our way, we continue towards wholeness and healing. Our inner drive is towards wholeness. Within a trusting therapeutic relationship we can nurture the part of us that allows us to heal, make better decisions and achieve the goals we desire. I really believe in the power that we all have to heal, make sense of our lives, and move towards the kind of life we would like.
Whatever experiences life has brought our way, we continue towards wholeness and healing. Our inner drive is towards wholeness. Within a trusting therapeutic relationship we can nurture the part of us that allows us to heal, make better decisions and achieve the goals we desire. I really believe in the power that we all have to heal, make sense of our lives, and move towards the kind of life we would like.
One side of this work may involve pursuing wisdom, guidance and support. The other, involves pursuing healing into our deepest self. Some concepts to explore are... How do you make sense of and think about your world and self? How do you experience and manage your emotional world, what are your survival styles and patterns in relationships, distress and behavior? In what ways do you carry emotional pain and trauma on a body level, impacting you in known and unknown ways? I'm trained as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner to work with the release and resolution of trauma that can be trapped in one's physiology and nervous system.
One side of this work may involve pursuing wisdom, guidance and support. The other, involves pursuing healing into our deepest self. Some concepts to explore are... How do you make sense of and think about your world and self? How do you experience and manage your emotional world, what are your survival styles and patterns in relationships, distress and behavior? In what ways do you carry emotional pain and trauma on a body level, impacting you in known and unknown ways? I'm trained as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner to work with the release and resolution of trauma that can be trapped in one's physiology and nervous system.
Are you looking for support as you navigate day-to-day stressors, or explore deeper wounds like past trauma? Folks often find themselves in my office looking to explore the connection between mind and body, or to resolve past traumatic experiences. I honor and respect clients’ cultural differences and lived experiences with oppression in our society, with the ultimate goal of practicing anti-oppressive therapy. I have special experience working with the LGBTQIA2S+ community and folks with ADHD or on the Autism Spectrum.
Are you looking for support as you navigate day-to-day stressors, or explore deeper wounds like past trauma? Folks often find themselves in my office looking to explore the connection between mind and body, or to resolve past traumatic experiences. I honor and respect clients’ cultural differences and lived experiences with oppression in our society, with the ultimate goal of practicing anti-oppressive therapy. I have special experience working with the LGBTQIA2S+ community and folks with ADHD or on the Autism Spectrum.
I am licensed in Minnesota with almost 11 years of professional work experience. I have always believed in the potential of each person as an individual and my goal as a therapist is to help each person find new ways to approach the obstacles that keep them from achieving their full potential and being secure and content in who they are.
I am licensed in Minnesota with almost 11 years of professional work experience. I have always believed in the potential of each person as an individual and my goal as a therapist is to help each person find new ways to approach the obstacles that keep them from achieving their full potential and being secure and content in who they are.
Cedar Branch Counseling Group, PLLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
International Falls, MN 56649
Waitlist for new clients
Cedar Branch Counseling Staff are Licensed Therapists offering quality authentic counseling services. We offer in person and online telemental health video counseling. We specialize in depression, anxiety, Trauma Therapy including TFCBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered as well as Solution Focused and various integrated therapy as needed.
Cedar Branch Counseling Staff are Licensed Therapists offering quality authentic counseling services. We offer in person and online telemental health video counseling. We specialize in depression, anxiety, Trauma Therapy including TFCBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered as well as Solution Focused and various integrated therapy as needed.
Hi there! I am a dedicated and compassionate therapist with an MSW and licensure as an LGSW in Minnesota and a CAPSW in Wisconsin. I use a prioritized a person-centered approach with a focus on promoting resilience, empowering people, and fostering a positive and inclusive therapeutic environment. I truly believe in the power of building strong therapeutic alliances and creating space for individuals to explore their emotions and navigate life's complexities. I have worked with all ages, more recently primarily adolescence through late adulthood. I value nonjudgmental care and open communication as well as body positivity.
Hi there! I am a dedicated and compassionate therapist with an MSW and licensure as an LGSW in Minnesota and a CAPSW in Wisconsin. I use a prioritized a person-centered approach with a focus on promoting resilience, empowering people, and fostering a positive and inclusive therapeutic environment. I truly believe in the power of building strong therapeutic alliances and creating space for individuals to explore their emotions and navigate life's complexities. I have worked with all ages, more recently primarily adolescence through late adulthood. I value nonjudgmental care and open communication as well as body positivity.
Our minds and bodies are the sacred lands of our experiences, containing forests of stories, shifting winds, rivers of emotions, and fields of sensations, ranging from painful to pleasureful. When the landscape is disturbed by stress and trauma, the ecosystem shifts out of balance toward pain. By skillfully bringing mind and body together, with the heart of altruistic intention to improve our lives for ourselves and others, we gain capacity to navigate with clarity, calm inner storms, heal rifts, and drink from the waters of fresh perceptions. Through deep listening, movement, attention, and imagination, insight dawns.
Our minds and bodies are the sacred lands of our experiences, containing forests of stories, shifting winds, rivers of emotions, and fields of sensations, ranging from painful to pleasureful. When the landscape is disturbed by stress and trauma, the ecosystem shifts out of balance toward pain. By skillfully bringing mind and body together, with the heart of altruistic intention to improve our lives for ourselves and others, we gain capacity to navigate with clarity, calm inner storms, heal rifts, and drink from the waters of fresh perceptions. Through deep listening, movement, attention, and imagination, insight dawns.
Many people come to my practice after other therapeutic paths have felt incomplete. You may be carrying grief or trauma that lives beneath the surface and buried deep—like an underground stream shaping everything above it. I believe healing is not about what is wrong with you, but about what has happened to you, and how we gently tend to it together.
Many people come to my practice after other therapeutic paths have felt incomplete. You may be carrying grief or trauma that lives beneath the surface and buried deep—like an underground stream shaping everything above it. I believe healing is not about what is wrong with you, but about what has happened to you, and how we gently tend to it together.
Melissa Anderson Psychological Services has been serving the Moose Lake and surrounding areas for over 17 years. Our team of therapists and psychologists are compassionate about what we do and are here to help. We recognize the struggles people face in receiving support due to the lack of rural services available. We understand the importance of small-town values and culture. Furthermore, we live and work in this community and are dedicated to the people and families we serve.
Melissa Anderson Psychological Services has been serving the Moose Lake and surrounding areas for over 17 years. Our team of therapists and psychologists are compassionate about what we do and are here to help. We recognize the struggles people face in receiving support due to the lack of rural services available. We understand the importance of small-town values and culture. Furthermore, we live and work in this community and are dedicated to the people and families we serve.
As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, I choose to practice part-time because I truly enjoy this work and the people I have the privilege of walking alongside. Counseling isn’t just what I do; it’s work I value deeply. I believe meaningful change happens through genuine connection, trust, and a safe space where you feel heard and understood. I have experience working with both adolescents and adults, supporting individuals through substance use concerns, infertility, adoption journeys, and a wide range of mental health challenges.
As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, I choose to practice part-time because I truly enjoy this work and the people I have the privilege of walking alongside. Counseling isn’t just what I do; it’s work I value deeply. I believe meaningful change happens through genuine connection, trust, and a safe space where you feel heard and understood. I have experience working with both adolescents and adults, supporting individuals through substance use concerns, infertility, adoption journeys, and a wide range of mental health challenges.
Many of my clients are accomplished people — individuals, couples, and families — who find themselves quietly unsettled despite doing everything right. Not in crisis. Just aware that something beneath the surface is asking for attention.
They come in carrying burnout, strained relationships, significant life transitions, or experiences that have left lasting marks. Together we slow things down, look honestly at what's driving the experience, and build a path forward that's genuinely theirs — not just the next logical step. Good therapy is rarely about fixing something. It's about seeing more clearly.
Many of my clients are accomplished people — individuals, couples, and families — who find themselves quietly unsettled despite doing everything right. Not in crisis. Just aware that something beneath the surface is asking for attention.
They come in carrying burnout, strained relationships, significant life transitions, or experiences that have left lasting marks. Together we slow things down, look honestly at what's driving the experience, and build a path forward that's genuinely theirs — not just the next logical step. Good therapy is rarely about fixing something. It's about seeing more clearly.
I work with individuals to address sexual health related issues that may be getting in the way of a healthy and satisfying sex life. I help couples and individuals to improve overall sexual health and connectedness, while also working to improve overall relationship satisfaction and communication. Issues may include: sexual pain, desire discrepancies, orgasm problems, discomfort with your body image, sexual boredom, etc. I recognize that change can be difficult and seek to provide the support you need to achieve your goals by listening to you, helping to identify the outcome you desire, and motivating you to reach your goals.
I work with individuals to address sexual health related issues that may be getting in the way of a healthy and satisfying sex life. I help couples and individuals to improve overall sexual health and connectedness, while also working to improve overall relationship satisfaction and communication. Issues may include: sexual pain, desire discrepancies, orgasm problems, discomfort with your body image, sexual boredom, etc. I recognize that change can be difficult and seek to provide the support you need to achieve your goals by listening to you, helping to identify the outcome you desire, and motivating you to reach your goals.
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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.