Chronic Illness Therapists in Columbus, OH
Alissa Jackson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-S, RYT 500, UZIT
Columbus, OH 43215
Waitlist for new clients
Alissa has been a clinical social worker since 2001. She graduated from The Ohio State University with a master’s degree in Social Work. She has 20+ years of experience working within the medical system with children and adults who live with chronic conditions such as kidney disease, cancer and HIV/AIDS. Alissa primarily supports clients living with a chronic/terminal illness, care takers for another person with a chronic/terminal illness or working with grief and loss.
Alissa has been a clinical social worker since 2001. She graduated from The Ohio State University with a master’s degree in Social Work. She has 20+ years of experience working within the medical system with children and adults who live with chronic conditions such as kidney disease, cancer and HIV/AIDS. Alissa primarily supports clients living with a chronic/terminal illness, care takers for another person with a chronic/terminal illness or working with grief and loss.
Our mental health and physical health can be impacted by life’s stressors or competing priorities. Increased stress can lead to depression, anxiety, emotional eating, out-of-control eating and other problematic behaviors. Stress can impact sleep and chronic health conditions that you may be managing, and can lead to you feeling like you’ve lost touch of your values and leaving you feeling stuck in a pattern of failure. I am here to help you regain balance with your mental and physical health and reestablish your priorities. Reconnecting with your values will lead to long lasting change.
Our mental health and physical health can be impacted by life’s stressors or competing priorities. Increased stress can lead to depression, anxiety, emotional eating, out-of-control eating and other problematic behaviors. Stress can impact sleep and chronic health conditions that you may be managing, and can lead to you feeling like you’ve lost touch of your values and leaving you feeling stuck in a pattern of failure. I am here to help you regain balance with your mental and physical health and reestablish your priorities. Reconnecting with your values will lead to long lasting change.
I work with adults and seniors navigating conditions including anxiety, depression, chronic illness, and life transitions.
At the heart of my work is presence. I offer a grounded space where you can feel seen & supported. Our sessions may include guided meditation, spiritual exploration, or somatic movement practices. I’m a Certified Holden Qigong Teacher and an ACE-Certified Personal Trainer. I draw from these disciplines to support mind-body reconnection and emotional healing.
I work with adults and seniors navigating conditions including anxiety, depression, chronic illness, and life transitions.
At the heart of my work is presence. I offer a grounded space where you can feel seen & supported. Our sessions may include guided meditation, spiritual exploration, or somatic movement practices. I’m a Certified Holden Qigong Teacher and an ACE-Certified Personal Trainer. I draw from these disciplines to support mind-body reconnection and emotional healing.
Clients often tell me, they were told: there is nothing more that can be done...for their poor gait, pain levels, anxiety and depression even mood swings. Somatic education and therapy is another option. Judy will guide you to greater self awareness so you can notice your unconscious holding patterns and let them go. Once helpful, these old patterns may be holding you back. The use of gentle movement and touch is freeing and releases the deep seated and often unconscious patterns of pain and trauma. Judy will help you find a way around it...with gentleness and fun.
Clients often tell me, they were told: there is nothing more that can be done...for their poor gait, pain levels, anxiety and depression even mood swings. Somatic education and therapy is another option. Judy will guide you to greater self awareness so you can notice your unconscious holding patterns and let them go. Once helpful, these old patterns may be holding you back. The use of gentle movement and touch is freeing and releases the deep seated and often unconscious patterns of pain and trauma. Judy will help you find a way around it...with gentleness and fun.
I enjoy working with individuals experiencing concerns around sexual/gender identity, a diagnosis with a chronic illness, life stage changes, interpersonal relationships, and the shame/guilt that can be associated with religious trauma.
I prioritize creating a space that is non-judgmental and believe “you are the expert in your own experiences". I’m here to offer different perspectives and strategies to help manage your concerns - I will collaborate with you to create a personalized plan that can incorporate parts of mindfulness, CBT, DBT, attachment theory, and more.
I enjoy working with individuals experiencing concerns around sexual/gender identity, a diagnosis with a chronic illness, life stage changes, interpersonal relationships, and the shame/guilt that can be associated with religious trauma.
I prioritize creating a space that is non-judgmental and believe “you are the expert in your own experiences". I’m here to offer different perspectives and strategies to help manage your concerns - I will collaborate with you to create a personalized plan that can incorporate parts of mindfulness, CBT, DBT, attachment theory, and more.
When chronic illness or disability is part of the experience, these challenges can feel even more complex and exhausting.
I believe that feeling seen is the 1st step to healing &healing isn’t about achieving perfection it’s about learning to live with greater self-compassion, and alignment with what matters most to you.As a chronic illness advocate &sci-fi enthusiast, I’m passionate about exploring how we can live fully within our circumstances, honoring our authentic selves.
When chronic illness or disability is part of the experience, these challenges can feel even more complex and exhausting.
I believe that feeling seen is the 1st step to healing &healing isn’t about achieving perfection it’s about learning to live with greater self-compassion, and alignment with what matters most to you.As a chronic illness advocate &sci-fi enthusiast, I’m passionate about exploring how we can live fully within our circumstances, honoring our authentic selves.
I love helping individuals reconnect with themselves and others during and after the identity shifts that come with parenting, caregiving and chronic illness.
I decided to become a social worker after experiencing compassionate therapeutic care from a social worker myself. I specialize in working with those managing stressors related to pregnancy, postpartum, and caregiving/parenting. I additionally offer services to any person, creed or personality wanting to address the concerns or issues arising in their lives.
I love helping individuals reconnect with themselves and others during and after the identity shifts that come with parenting, caregiving and chronic illness.
I decided to become a social worker after experiencing compassionate therapeutic care from a social worker myself. I specialize in working with those managing stressors related to pregnancy, postpartum, and caregiving/parenting. I additionally offer services to any person, creed or personality wanting to address the concerns or issues arising in their lives.
I specialize in trauma, crisis intervention, caregiver burnout, adjustment to acute and chronic illness, anxiety, depression, goal setting and spiritual navigation.
Hello, my name is Renee Taylor a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Ohio with a strong foundation in clinical social work and years of experience in both community and private practice settings. In addition to clinical work, I stay actively involved in community advocacy, program development, and mentorship of new social workers. I believe in the importance of holistic, culturally responsive care and dedicated to promoting social justice and equity in all areas of practice.
I specialize in trauma, crisis intervention, caregiver burnout, adjustment to acute and chronic illness, anxiety, depression, goal setting and spiritual navigation.
Hello, my name is Renee Taylor a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Ohio with a strong foundation in clinical social work and years of experience in both community and private practice settings. In addition to clinical work, I stay actively involved in community advocacy, program development, and mentorship of new social workers. I believe in the importance of holistic, culturally responsive care and dedicated to promoting social justice and equity in all areas of practice.
My ideal client is ready to do the hard work of making real change in their life. Sometimes, people think change has to be big to start therapeutic services; it doesn’t. Sometimes, learning to breathe, decrease anxiety, and be more mindful of your strengths can become a great asset. Therapy doesn’t have to be forever; sometimes, you just need help getting through the now. I help individuals & families dealing with chronic illnesses and end of life. At times like those, crises often happen: medical conflict, spiritual conflict, familial conflict, financial concerns, housing and food insecurity.
My ideal client is ready to do the hard work of making real change in their life. Sometimes, people think change has to be big to start therapeutic services; it doesn’t. Sometimes, learning to breathe, decrease anxiety, and be more mindful of your strengths can become a great asset. Therapy doesn’t have to be forever; sometimes, you just need help getting through the now. I help individuals & families dealing with chronic illnesses and end of life. At times like those, crises often happen: medical conflict, spiritual conflict, familial conflict, financial concerns, housing and food insecurity.
Whether you’re living with a chronic illness, supporting a loved one through their health journey, or feeling overwhelmed by the changes life has brought your way—I’m here to help.
Are you carrying the emotional weight of medical challenges-whether coping with your own diagnosis, supporting a loved one through illness or balancing the exhausting demands of caregiving?
Whether you’re living with a chronic illness, supporting a loved one through their health journey, or feeling overwhelmed by the changes life has brought your way—I’m here to help.
Are you carrying the emotional weight of medical challenges-whether coping with your own diagnosis, supporting a loved one through illness or balancing the exhausting demands of caregiving?
Examples of grief include: loss of loved one, divorce, end of relationship, chronic illness, spiritual evolution, etc.
Hi, my name is Hannah Bisig (pronouns: she/her) and I look forward to working with you! I believe you hold the unique ability to overcome life’s challenges, and I’ll work to create a safe and authentic space where we can foster your healing and self-compassion. Our goal will be to achieve a space where you can love yourself and life much more fully.
Examples of grief include: loss of loved one, divorce, end of relationship, chronic illness, spiritual evolution, etc.
Hi, my name is Hannah Bisig (pronouns: she/her) and I look forward to working with you! I believe you hold the unique ability to overcome life’s challenges, and I’ll work to create a safe and authentic space where we can foster your healing and self-compassion. Our goal will be to achieve a space where you can love yourself and life much more fully.
Do you feel out of sorts? Is life stealing your joy? Do you feel like life’s pieces are too hard to hold together? Let me help you put the joy back into your life! Whatever life is throwing at you, I can help you navigate life’s challenges and work towards living your best life. I can help provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to start making progress towards feeling better and being the best version of yourself.
Do you feel out of sorts? Is life stealing your joy? Do you feel like life’s pieces are too hard to hold together? Let me help you put the joy back into your life! Whatever life is throwing at you, I can help you navigate life’s challenges and work towards living your best life. I can help provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to start making progress towards feeling better and being the best version of yourself.
I work with clients who struggle with executive functioning, depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and burnout.
Struggling with anxiety, depression, or ADHD that affects every aspect of your day-to-day? In the throes of motherhood, exhausted and overwhelmed from carrying the never-ending mental load of your household? Wondering if things will ever get easier? So many things in life are out of our control, leaving us to feel helpless that anything will change. You may feel burned out, exhausted, and can’t seem to figure out how to get out of this cycle. Now more than ever, people are feeling the pressure to do all the things in all their roles - perfectly. This is unsustainable - which you know, or you wouldn’t be here reading this.
I work with clients who struggle with executive functioning, depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and burnout.
Struggling with anxiety, depression, or ADHD that affects every aspect of your day-to-day? In the throes of motherhood, exhausted and overwhelmed from carrying the never-ending mental load of your household? Wondering if things will ever get easier? So many things in life are out of our control, leaving us to feel helpless that anything will change. You may feel burned out, exhausted, and can’t seem to figure out how to get out of this cycle. Now more than ever, people are feeling the pressure to do all the things in all their roles - perfectly. This is unsustainable - which you know, or you wouldn’t be here reading this.
Having received training and experience in three countries, one thing is universal: everyone is different. For this reason, I don’t have a typical client or typical way of doing things. I draw on my experience of helping different people from all over the world, but I’m always guided by you and your goals. In addition to being an LPCC in Colorado, I’m also an accredited counselor in Ireland. I’m committed to being a global practitioner who affirms all identities.
Having received training and experience in three countries, one thing is universal: everyone is different. For this reason, I don’t have a typical client or typical way of doing things. I draw on my experience of helping different people from all over the world, but I’m always guided by you and your goals. In addition to being an LPCC in Colorado, I’m also an accredited counselor in Ireland. I’m committed to being a global practitioner who affirms all identities.
You’ve been living in survival mode for years, carrying a heavy weight that others just don’t see. Old wounds, relentless stress, and the daily realities of disability stack higher each year, until “holding it all together” becomes a full-time job. Even simple tasks drain you, and the moment you try to rest, guilt and panic flood in. You move through life overextended, unseen, and stretched thin by responsibilities that never let up. Behind the mask is exhaustion, frustration, and a quiet fear that you’re at the end of your rope – that you can’t just keep living from one crisis to the next. You need relief and a new way forward.
You’ve been living in survival mode for years, carrying a heavy weight that others just don’t see. Old wounds, relentless stress, and the daily realities of disability stack higher each year, until “holding it all together” becomes a full-time job. Even simple tasks drain you, and the moment you try to rest, guilt and panic flood in. You move through life overextended, unseen, and stretched thin by responsibilities that never let up. Behind the mask is exhaustion, frustration, and a quiet fear that you’re at the end of your rope – that you can’t just keep living from one crisis to the next. You need relief and a new way forward.
If you live with chronic illness or pain or disability, we will process these experiences through approaches that respect what you value and your innate gifts.
Accepting new clients in NC, OH, and FL.
You may be feeling "not yourself," uncertain, or stuck. We work together to explore where you've been, what you need, what you've learned, your supports, your resiliency, and next steps that align with your values.
If you live with chronic illness or pain or disability, we will process these experiences through approaches that respect what you value and your innate gifts.
Accepting new clients in NC, OH, and FL.
You may be feeling "not yourself," uncertain, or stuck. We work together to explore where you've been, what you need, what you've learned, your supports, your resiliency, and next steps that align with your values.
Chronic illness.
I have therapeutic experience working with Adolescents, Adults, and Adults 65+ who are struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Chronic Illness, Life Transitions, Setting Boundaries, Identity Issues, and Developing Healthy Coping Skills. I currently offer telehealth to residents of Nebraska, Ohio, Iowa, Minnesota, Florida, Washington DC
Chronic illness.
I have therapeutic experience working with Adolescents, Adults, and Adults 65+ who are struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Chronic Illness, Life Transitions, Setting Boundaries, Identity Issues, and Developing Healthy Coping Skills. I currently offer telehealth to residents of Nebraska, Ohio, Iowa, Minnesota, Florida, Washington DC
My ideal client is ready to do the hard work of making real change in their life. Sometimes, people think change has to be big to start therapeutic services; it doesn’t. Sometimes, learning to breathe, decrease anxiety, and be more mindful of your strengths can become a great asset. Therapy doesn’t have to be forever; sometimes, you just need help getting through the now. I help individuals & families dealing with chronic illnesses and end of life. At times like those, crises often happen: medical conflict, spiritual conflict, familial conflict, financial concerns, housing and food insecurity.
My ideal client is ready to do the hard work of making real change in their life. Sometimes, people think change has to be big to start therapeutic services; it doesn’t. Sometimes, learning to breathe, decrease anxiety, and be more mindful of your strengths can become a great asset. Therapy doesn’t have to be forever; sometimes, you just need help getting through the now. I help individuals & families dealing with chronic illnesses and end of life. At times like those, crises often happen: medical conflict, spiritual conflict, familial conflict, financial concerns, housing and food insecurity.
I have worked in a variety of interdisciplinary settings, addressing concerns related to depression, anxiety, chronic illness, sleep, and interpersonal/relationship distress.
I have a passion for helping individuals and couples navigate a range of behavioral, emotional, physical, and spiritual concerns. My experiences have not only provided me with an in-depth knowledge of psychological theories and evidence-based interventions, but also an intimate understanding that healing and growth through psychotherapy cannot take place without a strong acceptance, appreciation, and integration of the unique strengths, needs, and identities of those with whom I work. My responsibility as your therapist is to walk alongside you in a collaborative manner that will help facilitate the change and healing you desire.
I have worked in a variety of interdisciplinary settings, addressing concerns related to depression, anxiety, chronic illness, sleep, and interpersonal/relationship distress.
I have a passion for helping individuals and couples navigate a range of behavioral, emotional, physical, and spiritual concerns. My experiences have not only provided me with an in-depth knowledge of psychological theories and evidence-based interventions, but also an intimate understanding that healing and growth through psychotherapy cannot take place without a strong acceptance, appreciation, and integration of the unique strengths, needs, and identities of those with whom I work. My responsibility as your therapist is to walk alongside you in a collaborative manner that will help facilitate the change and healing you desire.
I specialize in life transitions (college adjustment, divorce, parenthood, etc), women's issues, and chronic illness.
Welcome! Whether you're facing a specific challenge or simply looking to improve your mental well-being, I’m here to support you. I specialize in working with women's issues and individuals with chronic illnesses, as well as college students who are navigating the pressures of school, social life, and personal development. I can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms, manage stress, and foster a stronger sense of self.
I specialize in life transitions (college adjustment, divorce, parenthood, etc), women's issues, and chronic illness.
Welcome! Whether you're facing a specific challenge or simply looking to improve your mental well-being, I’m here to support you. I specialize in working with women's issues and individuals with chronic illnesses, as well as college students who are navigating the pressures of school, social life, and personal development. I can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms, manage stress, and foster a stronger sense of self.
See more therapy options for Columbus
Nearby Chronic Illness Therapists Searches for Columbus
- Bexley
- Dublin
- Gahanna
- Galloway
- Grandview
- Grove City
- Hilliard
- New Albany
- Reynoldsburg
- Upper Arlington
- Westerville
- Worthington
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.