Chronic Illness Therapists in Portland, OR
Are you dealing with mental health issues? Join the club! I'm a counselor who is excited to talk to people dealing with depression, patriarchy, anxiety, chronic illness, trauma, self-acceptance, anger, capitalism, the crushing weight of life, and anything else that might make you feel like you need to talk to someone. Even if you don't know exactly what you might get out of counseling, I'm here to help navigate that path with you and help you realize all the strengths you have that maybe we weren't taught or encouraged to recall. Let's have a coffee, open up, and talk about life and liberation
Are you dealing with mental health issues? Join the club! I'm a counselor who is excited to talk to people dealing with depression, patriarchy, anxiety, chronic illness, trauma, self-acceptance, anger, capitalism, the crushing weight of life, and anything else that might make you feel like you need to talk to someone. Even if you don't know exactly what you might get out of counseling, I'm here to help navigate that path with you and help you realize all the strengths you have that maybe we weren't taught or encouraged to recall. Let's have a coffee, open up, and talk about life and liberation
I enjoy working with teens and adults experiencing; chronic illness (especially Chronic Lyme Disease), anxiety, trauma, first-episode psychosis, systems survival, identity and relationship challenges, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, and parenting challenges.
First things first: I have limited availability, during the day on Tuesday and Friday, for individual therapy and/or couples therapy. If you have or no someone who would find support in a Chronic Lyme therapy group for men (trans and non-binary folx VERY welcome) please reach out to me. This closed group will start Winter 2024, meet bi-weekly and focus on community/solidarity, navigating care systems, myths about Lyme, system failure and chronic illness, the haunting of "the good sick person", anger and illness, and much more.
I enjoy working with teens and adults experiencing; chronic illness (especially Chronic Lyme Disease), anxiety, trauma, first-episode psychosis, systems survival, identity and relationship challenges, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, and parenting challenges.
First things first: I have limited availability, during the day on Tuesday and Friday, for individual therapy and/or couples therapy. If you have or no someone who would find support in a Chronic Lyme therapy group for men (trans and non-binary folx VERY welcome) please reach out to me. This closed group will start Winter 2024, meet bi-weekly and focus on community/solidarity, navigating care systems, myths about Lyme, system failure and chronic illness, the haunting of "the good sick person", anger and illness, and much more.
Samantha Auclair
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CRC, NCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97215
Waitlist for new clients
My clients often have a history of (or ongoing) trauma, including medical trauma, attachment trauma, single-incident traumatic events, and complex trauma; difficulty coping with chronic illness and/or disability (e.g., EDS, MCAS, POTS, gastrointestinal issues, cancer, autoimmune disease, mobility issues); anxiety/panic disorders; and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Some of my clients choose to do long-term depth work with me, while others may see me to work toward more immediate goals.
My clients often have a history of (or ongoing) trauma, including medical trauma, attachment trauma, single-incident traumatic events, and complex trauma; difficulty coping with chronic illness and/or disability (e.g., EDS, MCAS, POTS, gastrointestinal issues, cancer, autoimmune disease, mobility issues); anxiety/panic disorders; and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Some of my clients choose to do long-term depth work with me, while others may see me to work toward more immediate goals.
Sonia Milbank
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97202 (Online Only)
Additionally, I have a decade of experience working with those living with chronic illness.
With a background treating people across the lifespan, I have come to the realization that the therapeutic relationship is one of the most sacred spaces we can enter. With mutual respect and openness I can help you to process through grief, trauma, and chronic illness.
Additionally, I have a decade of experience working with those living with chronic illness.
With a background treating people across the lifespan, I have come to the realization that the therapeutic relationship is one of the most sacred spaces we can enter. With mutual respect and openness I can help you to process through grief, trauma, and chronic illness.
I'm all about helping people become more of themselves. If you are looking to discover and implement your own unique path forward, I may be the right counselor for you. I work with individuals and couples to resolve anxieties, manage the impact of chronic illness, and unravel old and constricting patterns, as well as resolve relationship conflicts and deepen emotional intimacy. Every person has strengths they are not yet aware of, as well as capacity to develop the skills and awareness needed for their life situation. It's my job to support your growth and flourishing, as well as deep self-care.
I'm all about helping people become more of themselves. If you are looking to discover and implement your own unique path forward, I may be the right counselor for you. I work with individuals and couples to resolve anxieties, manage the impact of chronic illness, and unravel old and constricting patterns, as well as resolve relationship conflicts and deepen emotional intimacy. Every person has strengths they are not yet aware of, as well as capacity to develop the skills and awareness needed for their life situation. It's my job to support your growth and flourishing, as well as deep self-care.
Stellium Integrative Wellness is compassion-based & uses tools like positive psychology, meditation & hypnotherapy techniques to build confidence & resiliency. Clients include Millennials 20-45, Gen Xers 45-55, & Baby Boomers 56-74 dealing with relationships, career, concerns surrounding parenting, health issues/ chronic illness (cancer, diabetes, thyroid disorders, COVID-19), LGBTQIA, disability, & grief from loss (job, parent/family member/friend, partner, child, home, bankruptcy, divorce/separation). Areas of expertise include life coaching, hypnosis, love-relationships/dating, & confidence/self-esteem building.
Stellium Integrative Wellness is compassion-based & uses tools like positive psychology, meditation & hypnotherapy techniques to build confidence & resiliency. Clients include Millennials 20-45, Gen Xers 45-55, & Baby Boomers 56-74 dealing with relationships, career, concerns surrounding parenting, health issues/ chronic illness (cancer, diabetes, thyroid disorders, COVID-19), LGBTQIA, disability, & grief from loss (job, parent/family member/friend, partner, child, home, bankruptcy, divorce/separation). Areas of expertise include life coaching, hypnosis, love-relationships/dating, & confidence/self-esteem building.
Dr. Lily Iteld Child And Adolescent Psychologist
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97239
I'm Dr. Lily, a board certified child and adolescent psychologist. Put simply, I work with kids and their parents to make daily life easier. I help kids develop skills and strategies to manage the difficulties they are facing and help parents develop tools to allow their child to thrive. I love the work I do and am honored to help families during their challenging times. With over a decade of experience in school and medical settings, I specialize in working with children and adolescents with anxiety, depression, challenges with self-regulation, chronic illness, pain management, picky eating/ARFID, encopresis, and tic disorders.
I'm Dr. Lily, a board certified child and adolescent psychologist. Put simply, I work with kids and their parents to make daily life easier. I help kids develop skills and strategies to manage the difficulties they are facing and help parents develop tools to allow their child to thrive. I love the work I do and am honored to help families during their challenging times. With over a decade of experience in school and medical settings, I specialize in working with children and adolescents with anxiety, depression, challenges with self-regulation, chronic illness, pain management, picky eating/ARFID, encopresis, and tic disorders.
Ben Ehrenfeld
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97225 (Online Only)
PTSD, chronic illness, or complex grief can leave you emotionally and physically drained, creating an overwhelming journey. You may find yourself stuck in a cycle of intense emotions and unresolved pain, struggling to find relief. My practice is dedicated to helping individuals like you navigate these challenges, fostering resilience and a renewed sense of hope. Let's work together to create a path toward healing and a more fulfilling life.
PTSD, chronic illness, or complex grief can leave you emotionally and physically drained, creating an overwhelming journey. You may find yourself stuck in a cycle of intense emotions and unresolved pain, struggling to find relief. My practice is dedicated to helping individuals like you navigate these challenges, fostering resilience and a renewed sense of hope. Let's work together to create a path toward healing and a more fulfilling life.
Welcome! I’m glad you’re here. I provide affirming, empowering care to children and adults in Oregon. We might be a good fit if you are Asian, Muslim, Black, Indigenous, Latinx, first generation, queer, or gender expansive. I help people find relief from the pain and stress of grief, anxiety, depression, parenting, intergenerational trauma, chronic illness, and systemic oppression. I am currently offering both in-person therapy and secure telehealth video sessions for clients in Oregon.
Welcome! I’m glad you’re here. I provide affirming, empowering care to children and adults in Oregon. We might be a good fit if you are Asian, Muslim, Black, Indigenous, Latinx, first generation, queer, or gender expansive. I help people find relief from the pain and stress of grief, anxiety, depression, parenting, intergenerational trauma, chronic illness, and systemic oppression. I am currently offering both in-person therapy and secure telehealth video sessions for clients in Oregon.
Toni Nelson Huff Counseling Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97239 (Online Only)
I specialize in chronic illness, concerns related to transitions in aging, and later life/ end of life challenges.
Is your life anything like you thought it would be at this stage? Are health care and life situations seemingly overwhelming? Who could have imagined the current world, country, climate and political situations we are facing today? I offer long term therapy for situations that are ongoing as well as short term problem- focused intervention of 6-8 weeks.
I specialize in chronic illness, concerns related to transitions in aging, and later life/ end of life challenges.
Is your life anything like you thought it would be at this stage? Are health care and life situations seemingly overwhelming? Who could have imagined the current world, country, climate and political situations we are facing today? I offer long term therapy for situations that are ongoing as well as short term problem- focused intervention of 6-8 weeks.
Hosia Keene
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMHC, CADC1, SUDP, LPCC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97212 (Online Only)
We get thrown for loops all the time, some are small and we bounce back, others are bigger and we may need help to navigate them. Many of the folks I see are at the top of one of these bigger loops; maybe you just received a new chronic illness diagnosis or are in chronic pain that is taking you away from what's important to you, maybe you're sexuality has shifted and you're struggling to make sense of it, maybe you're ready to unpack a trauma that's taking from your life, maybe you want to make a change with substance use that's not working anymore. The challenges we face can seem insurmountable and you don't have to go it alone!
We get thrown for loops all the time, some are small and we bounce back, others are bigger and we may need help to navigate them. Many of the folks I see are at the top of one of these bigger loops; maybe you just received a new chronic illness diagnosis or are in chronic pain that is taking you away from what's important to you, maybe you're sexuality has shifted and you're struggling to make sense of it, maybe you're ready to unpack a trauma that's taking from your life, maybe you want to make a change with substance use that's not working anymore. The challenges we face can seem insurmountable and you don't have to go it alone!
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Angelie Healy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, Angelie Healy, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97239 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am a licensed clinical social worker in Oregon, Idaho, and Colorado. I obtained my Master’s degree at Portland State University in 2006. I specialize in treating adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD, neurologic disorders, eating disorders, grief and loss, chronic illness, caregiver strain, life transitions, and challenges in their personal relationships. I support diversity in my practice with clients.
I am a licensed clinical social worker in Oregon, Idaho, and Colorado. I obtained my Master’s degree at Portland State University in 2006. I specialize in treating adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD, neurologic disorders, eating disorders, grief and loss, chronic illness, caregiver strain, life transitions, and challenges in their personal relationships. I support diversity in my practice with clients.
I work with teens and adults, 14 years and older, who are experiencing trauma, grief, loss, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain and chronic illness.
My goal as a counselor is to assist you in your journey of living a more authentic and fulfilling life. I work with teens and adults, 14 years and older. My approach to counseling is person-centered, providing a safe, non-judgmental, and empowering space for you to explore the challenges and patterns preventing you from achieving your goals and to discover your unique path for spiritual, emotional, social, and mental wellness. I utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques, depending upon each individual’s needs, informed by CBT, Internal Family Systems, Emotionally-Focused Individual Therapy, and Narrative Therapy.
I work with teens and adults, 14 years and older, who are experiencing trauma, grief, loss, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain and chronic illness.
My goal as a counselor is to assist you in your journey of living a more authentic and fulfilling life. I work with teens and adults, 14 years and older. My approach to counseling is person-centered, providing a safe, non-judgmental, and empowering space for you to explore the challenges and patterns preventing you from achieving your goals and to discover your unique path for spiritual, emotional, social, and mental wellness. I utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques, depending upon each individual’s needs, informed by CBT, Internal Family Systems, Emotionally-Focused Individual Therapy, and Narrative Therapy.
Nancy M Gordon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CLC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97220 (Online Only)
" I combined my professional expertise with my personal journeys of pet loss, fibromyalgia, chronic illness/disability, providing a unique perspective in my methodology & books.
An ideal client may present issues related to any source of loss and grief, especially pet loss or chronic illness. Committed clients, who value investing in themselves to use coaching to go beyond just "getting through" a challenge/loss as springboards for personal growth and transformation through my unique methodology, 7 Powerful Practices to Manage Your Mind and Heal Your Heart. Clients use individual sessions, group programs, transformational retreats. I use my Certification as a Life Coach, a coaching model, and my methodology of the 7 Powerful Practices.
" I combined my professional expertise with my personal journeys of pet loss, fibromyalgia, chronic illness/disability, providing a unique perspective in my methodology & books.
An ideal client may present issues related to any source of loss and grief, especially pet loss or chronic illness. Committed clients, who value investing in themselves to use coaching to go beyond just "getting through" a challenge/loss as springboards for personal growth and transformation through my unique methodology, 7 Powerful Practices to Manage Your Mind and Heal Your Heart. Clients use individual sessions, group programs, transformational retreats. I use my Certification as a Life Coach, a coaching model, and my methodology of the 7 Powerful Practices.
Jennifer Warner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97214 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My practice is dedicated to working with adults living with stress related to complex chronic illness (including COVID and post acute COVID syndrome, POTS, dysautonomia, vestibular disorders, migraine, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, MCAS, IBD, a) as well as with the caregivers, medical providers, and allied professionals who serve this population.
Asking for help is one of the strongest things you can do, but it can also be one of the hardest because of past experience of not being heard, believed, or supported. Extreme stressors and traumatic events - including new or ongoing health conditions - affect every aspect of our lives and can make relationships - with family, friends, colleagues, and even healthcare providers - very challenging. The impact of these events can make us feel isolated, misunderstood, and unsupported (even by the well-intentioned). They can lead us to make choices we aren't proud of and limit our enjoyment of life in general.
My practice is dedicated to working with adults living with stress related to complex chronic illness (including COVID and post acute COVID syndrome, POTS, dysautonomia, vestibular disorders, migraine, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, MCAS, IBD, a) as well as with the caregivers, medical providers, and allied professionals who serve this population.
Asking for help is one of the strongest things you can do, but it can also be one of the hardest because of past experience of not being heard, believed, or supported. Extreme stressors and traumatic events - including new or ongoing health conditions - affect every aspect of our lives and can make relationships - with family, friends, colleagues, and even healthcare providers - very challenging. The impact of these events can make us feel isolated, misunderstood, and unsupported (even by the well-intentioned). They can lead us to make choices we aren't proud of and limit our enjoyment of life in general.
I use a strength based approach as a therapist. Working with adults, children, teens and families. Regardless of age many of the clients I have present with adjustment issues related to transitions they are experiencing in their lives. Clients often present with symptoms of anxiety and or depression resulting in a decrease in quality of life. Some are dealing with family communication challenges, a recent death or have a loved one who is sick or with a chronic illness. Clients can have a history of mental illness and others have relational challenges both personally, professionally or in school finding it hard to succeed.
I use a strength based approach as a therapist. Working with adults, children, teens and families. Regardless of age many of the clients I have present with adjustment issues related to transitions they are experiencing in their lives. Clients often present with symptoms of anxiety and or depression resulting in a decrease in quality of life. Some are dealing with family communication challenges, a recent death or have a loved one who is sick or with a chronic illness. Clients can have a history of mental illness and others have relational challenges both personally, professionally or in school finding it hard to succeed.
William Walker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97202 (Online Only)
I specialize in helping people cope with depression, anxiety, trauma, disability, grief, chronic illness, terminal illness, and chronic pain.
I provide a supportive and compassionate environment to give my clients space to process past trauma, current stress, and anxiety about the future. My practice integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, mindfulness training, and Eye Movement Reprocessing and Desensitization (EMDR). Using these frameworks we will examine how past experiences impact your current functioning. We will identify traumatic experiences, dysfunctional thoughts and destructive behavior patterns. Then use EMDR and talk therapy to shift the beliefs that reinforce these habits to relieve psychological and emotional suffering.
I specialize in helping people cope with depression, anxiety, trauma, disability, grief, chronic illness, terminal illness, and chronic pain.
I provide a supportive and compassionate environment to give my clients space to process past trauma, current stress, and anxiety about the future. My practice integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, mindfulness training, and Eye Movement Reprocessing and Desensitization (EMDR). Using these frameworks we will examine how past experiences impact your current functioning. We will identify traumatic experiences, dysfunctional thoughts and destructive behavior patterns. Then use EMDR and talk therapy to shift the beliefs that reinforce these habits to relieve psychological and emotional suffering.
Cari Strickland
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, CSWA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214 (Online Only)
We are all wired to seek connection, understanding, and belonging. We may feel like we are not good enough though. This feeling can become a part of us. It can impact how we see ourselves and the world. Sexism, homophobia, ableism, racism, and capitalism from dominant cultures harms our humanity, strengths, and uniqueness. In therapy, we can work together to dismantle these harmful messages. Here, LGBTQ+ folks, people with chronic illness and pain or disabilities, age 18 to 118 will find safety, community, and a non-judgmental space to explore who you are, and find purpose and joy.
We are all wired to seek connection, understanding, and belonging. We may feel like we are not good enough though. This feeling can become a part of us. It can impact how we see ourselves and the world. Sexism, homophobia, ableism, racism, and capitalism from dominant cultures harms our humanity, strengths, and uniqueness. In therapy, we can work together to dismantle these harmful messages. Here, LGBTQ+ folks, people with chronic illness and pain or disabilities, age 18 to 118 will find safety, community, and a non-judgmental space to explore who you are, and find purpose and joy.
I practice traditional psychotherapy and mindfulness self-compassion work. We usually use existential therapy and mindfulness together to help relieve unwanted thoughts and reach the root causes of an individual's suffering. Patients often come to me who are experiencing chronic illness or disability. My experience with these issues has given me unique insight into their struggles. Such conditions often lead to anxiety and depression, and together I hope to help patients understand the roots of these feelings and work on improving their quality of life.
I practice traditional psychotherapy and mindfulness self-compassion work. We usually use existential therapy and mindfulness together to help relieve unwanted thoughts and reach the root causes of an individual's suffering. Patients often come to me who are experiencing chronic illness or disability. My experience with these issues has given me unique insight into their struggles. Such conditions often lead to anxiety and depression, and together I hope to help patients understand the roots of these feelings and work on improving their quality of life.
Sahar L. Jones
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97215 (Online Only)
I specialize in providing structured, solution-focused, empathetic therapy for people experiencing anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, chronic illness and disability, and relationship stressors.
Feeling isolated, unsure of your purpose, stressed in your relationships, or ashamed or confused about your thoughts, actions or feelings? You are not alone. Mental health, relationship issues, socioeconomic stress, and life during COVID can all make it challenging to feel truly connected. But experiencing connection – whether with yourself, loved ones, community, or the natural world – is the cornerstone to wellness, and it's worth the vulnerability it takes to get there. Together we'll explore how to support you in building connections and coping skills that nourish you and your relationships for the long term.
I specialize in providing structured, solution-focused, empathetic therapy for people experiencing anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, chronic illness and disability, and relationship stressors.
Feeling isolated, unsure of your purpose, stressed in your relationships, or ashamed or confused about your thoughts, actions or feelings? You are not alone. Mental health, relationship issues, socioeconomic stress, and life during COVID can all make it challenging to feel truly connected. But experiencing connection – whether with yourself, loved ones, community, or the natural world – is the cornerstone to wellness, and it's worth the vulnerability it takes to get there. Together we'll explore how to support you in building connections and coping skills that nourish you and your relationships for the long term.
See more therapy options for Portland
Nearby Chronic Illness Therapists Searches for Portland
- Beaverton
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- Gladstone
- Gresham
- Happy Valley
- Hillsboro
- Lake Oswego
- Milwaukie
- Oregon City
- Tigard
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- West Linn
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.