Chronic Illness Therapists in Albany, NY
Finding the right therapist can feel daunting. Perhaps you've been in survival mode for a while now and you need something to change, but you just don't know where to begin. Getting to know you is a privilege, and you deserve the time and space to really tell your story. I’m a compassionate, direct, trauma-informed therapist with a background in medical social work who believes in meeting clients exactly where they are. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, life transitions, health, depression, and the lingering effects of trauma.
Finding the right therapist can feel daunting. Perhaps you've been in survival mode for a while now and you need something to change, but you just don't know where to begin. Getting to know you is a privilege, and you deserve the time and space to really tell your story. I’m a compassionate, direct, trauma-informed therapist with a background in medical social work who believes in meeting clients exactly where they are. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, life transitions, health, depression, and the lingering effects of trauma.
People arrive at a therapist's office, having tried their best way of getting along in the world, regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and so forth. A universal reason for seeking help is distress in a primary relationship. In therapy, I help individuals understand how past relationships with parents, siblings and significant others impacts relationship troubles in the here and now. A trusting therapeutic relationship offers an opportunity for exploration of one's own mind at the deepest level - healing, new pathways of relating, greater authenticity, vitality & living a life that's true to one's self.
People arrive at a therapist's office, having tried their best way of getting along in the world, regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and so forth. A universal reason for seeking help is distress in a primary relationship. In therapy, I help individuals understand how past relationships with parents, siblings and significant others impacts relationship troubles in the here and now. A trusting therapeutic relationship offers an opportunity for exploration of one's own mind at the deepest level - healing, new pathways of relating, greater authenticity, vitality & living a life that's true to one's self.
Therapy is what you need it to be, when you need it to be. It's for everyone at every stage of life, offering a space to express your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment and navigate challenges with support and confidence. In therapy, you can strategize your next move and even practice before trying it in real life. I enjoy working with clients navigating grief, loss, anxiety, depression, stress management, PTSD, and life's ever-changing topography. Using a mindfulness-based, person-centered approach, I help my clients feel secure as they move into a space of healing and growth.
Therapy is what you need it to be, when you need it to be. It's for everyone at every stage of life, offering a space to express your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment and navigate challenges with support and confidence. In therapy, you can strategize your next move and even practice before trying it in real life. I enjoy working with clients navigating grief, loss, anxiety, depression, stress management, PTSD, and life's ever-changing topography. Using a mindfulness-based, person-centered approach, I help my clients feel secure as they move into a space of healing and growth.
Lauren Zavier, LCSW focuses her practice on helping people develop practical ways to change behaviors and live the lives they really want. Lauren believes that every goal takes work and that there are no shortcuts but the work should feel exhilarating and worth while. Lauren helps her clients face the unknown with strength and curiosity, providing the tools to do so. Therapy should feel inspiring and motivating...tools that do not feel right should go right in the garbage!
Lauren Zavier, LCSW focuses her practice on helping people develop practical ways to change behaviors and live the lives they really want. Lauren believes that every goal takes work and that there are no shortcuts but the work should feel exhilarating and worth while. Lauren helps her clients face the unknown with strength and curiosity, providing the tools to do so. Therapy should feel inspiring and motivating...tools that do not feel right should go right in the garbage!
With more than twenty years of experience working with individuals, couples, children, and adolescents, I bring a seasoned, compassionate approach to therapy. My background spans both clinical and educational settings, allowing me to offer well-rounded, thoughtful care that is customized to each client’s unique needs and goals. I hold a doctorate in Behavioral Health and am trained in a range of evidence-based practices for clients across the lifespan. My style is supportive, strengths-based, and collaborative—meeting you exactly where you are while helping you move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.
With more than twenty years of experience working with individuals, couples, children, and adolescents, I bring a seasoned, compassionate approach to therapy. My background spans both clinical and educational settings, allowing me to offer well-rounded, thoughtful care that is customized to each client’s unique needs and goals. I hold a doctorate in Behavioral Health and am trained in a range of evidence-based practices for clients across the lifespan. My style is supportive, strengths-based, and collaborative—meeting you exactly where you are while helping you move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Life can sometimes leave us feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or defeated, but know that you are not alone in this journey. While reaching out for help can feel intimidating, seeking therapy takes courage, and it’s a sign of strength to recognize the need for support and growth. I offer individual psychotherapy where, together, we can explore your unique situation—whether it’s stress, medical illness, caregiving, significant life changes, grief, or any other challenges.
Life can sometimes leave us feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or defeated, but know that you are not alone in this journey. While reaching out for help can feel intimidating, seeking therapy takes courage, and it’s a sign of strength to recognize the need for support and growth. I offer individual psychotherapy where, together, we can explore your unique situation—whether it’s stress, medical illness, caregiving, significant life changes, grief, or any other challenges.
I specialize in supporting LGBTQ+ adults, individuals navigating life transitions, and those living with chronic illness.
In our work together, you can expect a calm, supportive space where you’re met with authenticity and respect. I use a blend of psychodynamic insight and evidence-based tools, tailoring each session to your needs. Therapy with me is a partnership—we move at your pace, building understanding, resilience, and more grounded choices.
I specialize in supporting LGBTQ+ adults, individuals navigating life transitions, and those living with chronic illness.
In our work together, you can expect a calm, supportive space where you’re met with authenticity and respect. I use a blend of psychodynamic insight and evidence-based tools, tailoring each session to your needs. Therapy with me is a partnership—we move at your pace, building understanding, resilience, and more grounded choices.
Hi, I'm Ben. I'm a licensed mental health counselor in Delmar. What continues to amaze me as a therapist is how resilient people are. I've worked with people going through traumatic experiences and I've seen them go on to live meaningful, fulfilling lives. I strongly believe people can overcome the immense obstacles life throws their way.
Hi, I'm Ben. I'm a licensed mental health counselor in Delmar. What continues to amaze me as a therapist is how resilient people are. I've worked with people going through traumatic experiences and I've seen them go on to live meaningful, fulfilling lives. I strongly believe people can overcome the immense obstacles life throws their way.
What about challenging relationships, difficulties with parenting, or a chronic illness?
I believe that we are not meant to navigate or struggle this life alone. I offer cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoanalytic therapy and faith-based counseling that will help guide you through these difficult times.
What about challenging relationships, difficulties with parenting, or a chronic illness?
I believe that we are not meant to navigate or struggle this life alone. I offer cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoanalytic therapy and faith-based counseling that will help guide you through these difficult times.
My mission is to provide a safe haven for individuals seeking solace, support, and a renewed sense of purpose. I understand that life's challenges can sometimes feel insurmountable, but I believe in the power of compassion, resilience, and renewal. As a therapist trained at a doctoral level with a specialty in trauma, my education and diverse clinical experience shaped my understanding of the human psyche and the effects of trauma.
My mission is to provide a safe haven for individuals seeking solace, support, and a renewed sense of purpose. I understand that life's challenges can sometimes feel insurmountable, but I believe in the power of compassion, resilience, and renewal. As a therapist trained at a doctoral level with a specialty in trauma, my education and diverse clinical experience shaped my understanding of the human psyche and the effects of trauma.
Establishing yourself, and your identity, is a lifelong process. You are not alone when you face questions including: Who am I? What is my purpose? Who do I want in my life? What do I stand for? Why am I here? When we consider these questions, along with countless others branching from these, you might find yourself overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or frustrated. Attempting to navigate this process, you may face societal expectations, dysfunctional family dynamics, economic challenges or other stressors operating against you. While desire to be stable, authentic, and true to self is shared, your story will always be unique.
Establishing yourself, and your identity, is a lifelong process. You are not alone when you face questions including: Who am I? What is my purpose? Who do I want in my life? What do I stand for? Why am I here? When we consider these questions, along with countless others branching from these, you might find yourself overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or frustrated. Attempting to navigate this process, you may face societal expectations, dysfunctional family dynamics, economic challenges or other stressors operating against you. While desire to be stable, authentic, and true to self is shared, your story will always be unique.
In a world that feels increasingly divisive, a persistent sense of isolation and emotional exhaustion can feel like the new normal. We are overwhelmed, overworked, full of dread, and yearning for genuine connection to help us shoulder the load. I offer an intentional space where your authentic self will be met with support, compassion, and validation. My priority is to help you feel accepted and heard, creating safety and stability while we navigate your challenges and pain points together.
In a world that feels increasingly divisive, a persistent sense of isolation and emotional exhaustion can feel like the new normal. We are overwhelmed, overworked, full of dread, and yearning for genuine connection to help us shoulder the load. I offer an intentional space where your authentic self will be met with support, compassion, and validation. My priority is to help you feel accepted and heard, creating safety and stability while we navigate your challenges and pain points together.
Complex PTSD and traumatic grief are exhausting to carry alone. If you want to engage in the work of healing, I am here to support you on your path. You don't need to replay the trauma to heal it. First we work together to create a safe relationship container, build confidence in your inner wisdom and then gently move to heal the past wounds and losses.
With over 30 years of training and experience in mental health provision, I am committed to fostering confidence, calm and joy as you navigate life's challenges.
Complex PTSD and traumatic grief are exhausting to carry alone. If you want to engage in the work of healing, I am here to support you on your path. You don't need to replay the trauma to heal it. First we work together to create a safe relationship container, build confidence in your inner wisdom and then gently move to heal the past wounds and losses.
With over 30 years of training and experience in mental health provision, I am committed to fostering confidence, calm and joy as you navigate life's challenges.
Does some part of you know life should not feel this hard? If stress, conflict, loss, or major life changes have piled up, it can feel like too much to sort through alone. You may know things are not working, but not how to make them better, and old ways of coping — pushing through, shutting down, keeping busy, scrolling, or something else — may not be cutting it. You may find yourself feeling anxious, sad, shut down, or reactive in ways that spill into relationships, work, home life, and even your health. In therapy, we can loosen the knots, notice patterns, and explore what may bring relief, clarity, and hope.
Does some part of you know life should not feel this hard? If stress, conflict, loss, or major life changes have piled up, it can feel like too much to sort through alone. You may know things are not working, but not how to make them better, and old ways of coping — pushing through, shutting down, keeping busy, scrolling, or something else — may not be cutting it. You may find yourself feeling anxious, sad, shut down, or reactive in ways that spill into relationships, work, home life, and even your health. In therapy, we can loosen the knots, notice patterns, and explore what may bring relief, clarity, and hope.
Looking for a path to new perspectives and insights? As an clinical social worker, I aim to offer guidance and opportunities for my clients to cultivate nonjudgmental awareness and develop skills while practicing compassion, and perspective-taking. I believe the power of a growth mindset puts us in a position where change is possible.
Every path and person is different. For this reason, I take an eclectic approach to treatment. Along with reflective, intuitive listening practices, I use a trauma-informed, psychodynamic approach and evidence-based CBT, DBT, Mindfulness strategies, and psychoeducation to support client's growth.
Looking for a path to new perspectives and insights? As an clinical social worker, I aim to offer guidance and opportunities for my clients to cultivate nonjudgmental awareness and develop skills while practicing compassion, and perspective-taking. I believe the power of a growth mindset puts us in a position where change is possible.
Every path and person is different. For this reason, I take an eclectic approach to treatment. Along with reflective, intuitive listening practices, I use a trauma-informed, psychodynamic approach and evidence-based CBT, DBT, Mindfulness strategies, and psychoeducation to support client's growth.
Over the course of the past 20 years, I have had the honor of treating youth, adults, families, and couples who have worked through adjustment issues, grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, identity, relationship challenges, infertility, coping with a chronic illness, and conflict resolution.
I offer a compassionate, skillful, and uplifting approach to therapy. My extensive training in outpatient behavioral health clinics, inpatient mental health settings, schools/colleges, residential treatment, and community based services has provided me with a broad skill base.
Over the course of the past 20 years, I have had the honor of treating youth, adults, families, and couples who have worked through adjustment issues, grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, identity, relationship challenges, infertility, coping with a chronic illness, and conflict resolution.
I offer a compassionate, skillful, and uplifting approach to therapy. My extensive training in outpatient behavioral health clinics, inpatient mental health settings, schools/colleges, residential treatment, and community based services has provided me with a broad skill base.
At Bloom Psychotherapy, we are a trauma-informed group practice providing therapy for adolescents, adults, couples, and families in Albany, NY, with telehealth services available throughout New York State.
While we provide a wide range of services, our specialties include Trauma, PTSD, Grief and Loss, Veterans, Active-Duty Service Members & Military Families, Women’s Mental Health & the impact of Hormonal Transitions (perimenopause, menopause, postpartum), Anxiety, Depression, major life transitions, & LGBTQ+ affirming therapy.
We also proudly provide Spanish-speaking and bilingual mental health counseling!
At Bloom Psychotherapy, we are a trauma-informed group practice providing therapy for adolescents, adults, couples, and families in Albany, NY, with telehealth services available throughout New York State.
While we provide a wide range of services, our specialties include Trauma, PTSD, Grief and Loss, Veterans, Active-Duty Service Members & Military Families, Women’s Mental Health & the impact of Hormonal Transitions (perimenopause, menopause, postpartum), Anxiety, Depression, major life transitions, & LGBTQ+ affirming therapy.
We also proudly provide Spanish-speaking and bilingual mental health counseling!
I have experience working with individuals navigating issues including life transitions, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, and the impact of domestic violence.
In my practice, I draw from several modalities because I do not believe that there is a 'one size fits all' approach to therapy. I create a judgment free zone for my clients to share openly. Through working collaboratively, we can build coping skills, increase resilience and create meaningful change.
I have experience working with individuals navigating issues including life transitions, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, and the impact of domestic violence.
In my practice, I draw from several modalities because I do not believe that there is a 'one size fits all' approach to therapy. I create a judgment free zone for my clients to share openly. Through working collaboratively, we can build coping skills, increase resilience and create meaningful change.
Hi! I am Sophie, a Licensed Master Social Worker currently accepting new clients through Tri City Counseling PLLC in Albany, NY. I support clients as they navigate relationship challenges with family and friends and help develop coping strategies. I work with clients to help them process trauma they have experienced and help people feel heard while navigating change.
Hi! I am Sophie, a Licensed Master Social Worker currently accepting new clients through Tri City Counseling PLLC in Albany, NY. I support clients as they navigate relationship challenges with family and friends and help develop coping strategies. I work with clients to help them process trauma they have experienced and help people feel heard while navigating change.
We all want to feel like we matter; that we're seen, heard, and accepted for who we truly are. But sometimes it's easy to feel lost, not good enough, or like only certain parts of you are welcome. Seeking validation through work or relationships might bring some short-term comfort, but it often leaves a deeper need unmet. And when life feels overwhelming, turning to distractions or numbing can sometimes make things harder. If you're feeling stuck or worn down, you're not alone, and I’d be honored to support you.
We all want to feel like we matter; that we're seen, heard, and accepted for who we truly are. But sometimes it's easy to feel lost, not good enough, or like only certain parts of you are welcome. Seeking validation through work or relationships might bring some short-term comfort, but it often leaves a deeper need unmet. And when life feels overwhelming, turning to distractions or numbing can sometimes make things harder. If you're feeling stuck or worn down, you're not alone, and I’d be honored to support you.
See more therapy options for Albany
Nearby Chronic Illness Therapists Searches for Albany
- Ballston Lake
- Clifton Park
- Cohoes
- Colonie
- Delmar
- Guilderland
- Kinderhook
- Latham
- Loudonville
- Niskayuna
- Schenectady
- Troy
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.


