Chronic Illness Therapists in Philadelphia, PA
Over the past 16 years, I have worked with diverse patients who are coping with anxiety, depression, adjustment to chronic illness-particularly chronic pain conditions, challenges related to gender and sexual identity, as well as difficulties faced with peer and family relationships.
My engagement in sessions involves a joint understanding of the challenges you would like to see change, combined with recommendations and a treatment approach that is integrative and evidence-based. I am committed to providing the best care possible through a trusted partnership with you, beginning from whatever place you are in, just as you are.
Over the past 16 years, I have worked with diverse patients who are coping with anxiety, depression, adjustment to chronic illness-particularly chronic pain conditions, challenges related to gender and sexual identity, as well as difficulties faced with peer and family relationships.
My engagement in sessions involves a joint understanding of the challenges you would like to see change, combined with recommendations and a treatment approach that is integrative and evidence-based. I am committed to providing the best care possible through a trusted partnership with you, beginning from whatever place you are in, just as you are.
Marty Steinberger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19103
I am passionate about working with trans and gender nonconforming people, those with chronic illness, disabled people, and anyone hoping to create expansive understandings of masculinity.
I am an attentive listener, a compassionate peer, and an open-hearted person who is honored to be included in my clients’ worlds. Therapeutic relationships can have profound influence on individuals, but I hope that through these one-on-one connections, there can be a positive impact on the community at large. Living life in our current systems can be incredibly traumatic - I can relate. Heteronormativity and white supremacy limit our potential for expression and connection. As a therapist and rabble rouser, I aid clients in developing affirming relationships and in questioning and complicating the systems that confine them.
I am passionate about working with trans and gender nonconforming people, those with chronic illness, disabled people, and anyone hoping to create expansive understandings of masculinity.
I am an attentive listener, a compassionate peer, and an open-hearted person who is honored to be included in my clients’ worlds. Therapeutic relationships can have profound influence on individuals, but I hope that through these one-on-one connections, there can be a positive impact on the community at large. Living life in our current systems can be incredibly traumatic - I can relate. Heteronormativity and white supremacy limit our potential for expression and connection. As a therapist and rabble rouser, I aid clients in developing affirming relationships and in questioning and complicating the systems that confine them.
Sarah E Pulver
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
I am a long term therapist who specializes in PTSD,CPTSD, and chronic illness.
This journey of life can sometimes be trying, difficult, and uncomfortable, but I believe that by meeting clients where they are and working together, we can create steps in a journey which will lead to a brighter future. I look forward to working with you to untangle and pull strings from the past, create meaning in the present and make space for healing in the future
I am a long term therapist who specializes in PTSD,CPTSD, and chronic illness.
This journey of life can sometimes be trying, difficult, and uncomfortable, but I believe that by meeting clients where they are and working together, we can create steps in a journey which will lead to a brighter future. I look forward to working with you to untangle and pull strings from the past, create meaning in the present and make space for healing in the future
I work with people in their 20s-40s dealing with things like anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, life transitions, and grief.
I'm person-centered, holistic, and I love the nervous system! I follow your lead, acting as a compassionate facilitator to help with your process of self-discovery. Instead of just focusing on a narrow problem, I work with the mind-body connection to help you thrive mentally and physically. I use a polyvagal framework to help inform my practice.
I work with people in their 20s-40s dealing with things like anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, life transitions, and grief.
I'm person-centered, holistic, and I love the nervous system! I follow your lead, acting as a compassionate facilitator to help with your process of self-discovery. Instead of just focusing on a narrow problem, I work with the mind-body connection to help you thrive mentally and physically. I use a polyvagal framework to help inform my practice.
My specialization includes work with individuals dealing with chronic pain, chronic illness, and trauma recovery, including traumatic injuries.
Therapy with me is an active, engaging process. My practice is grounded in evidence-based approaches and tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. In therapy, I create a space characterized by authenticity, humor, and acceptance. I believe that being direct and genuine helps in building a therapeutic relationship where real change can occur. My approach integrates strategies from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindful Self-Compassion, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I also often incorporate hypnosis in my sessions, which has proven effective in both acute symptom management and deeper therapeutic processes.
My specialization includes work with individuals dealing with chronic pain, chronic illness, and trauma recovery, including traumatic injuries.
Therapy with me is an active, engaging process. My practice is grounded in evidence-based approaches and tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. In therapy, I create a space characterized by authenticity, humor, and acceptance. I believe that being direct and genuine helps in building a therapeutic relationship where real change can occur. My approach integrates strategies from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindful Self-Compassion, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I also often incorporate hypnosis in my sessions, which has proven effective in both acute symptom management and deeper therapeutic processes.
I specialize in treating chronic pain and chronic illness.
Evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) inform the psychotherapy I provide to clients. Additionally, I greatly enjoy integrative treatments such as hypnosis and mindfulness to help clients stay grounded and in tune with their values and goals.
I specialize in treating chronic pain and chronic illness.
Evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) inform the psychotherapy I provide to clients. Additionally, I greatly enjoy integrative treatments such as hypnosis and mindfulness to help clients stay grounded and in tune with their values and goals.
Chronic illness, chronic pain, depression, or anxiety.
I can provide a judgement free and empathic space to address your primary concerns. In our work together, we will recognize and validate how these concerns are effecting your life. Our sessions will look a lot like a give and take conversation with the ultimate goal of empowering you.
Chronic illness, chronic pain, depression, or anxiety.
I can provide a judgement free and empathic space to address your primary concerns. In our work together, we will recognize and validate how these concerns are effecting your life. Our sessions will look a lot like a give and take conversation with the ultimate goal of empowering you.
I’m particularly drawn to folks navigating relational challenges, identity exploration, anxiety, chronic illness, and life transitions.
I believe that the work of therapy can be sacred and transformative. I strive to co-create an environment of trust, safety, and connection, where all parts of yourself are welcome and tended to with care. Through my warm and empathic stance, we’ll get curious about patterns from the past that may be keeping you stuck and experiment with new ways of being that align more deeply with your true needs and wants. We will acknowledge the brilliance of these survival strategies, recognize how they may be limiting you, and work together to facilitate a sense of greater self-alignment and joy.
I’m particularly drawn to folks navigating relational challenges, identity exploration, anxiety, chronic illness, and life transitions.
I believe that the work of therapy can be sacred and transformative. I strive to co-create an environment of trust, safety, and connection, where all parts of yourself are welcome and tended to with care. Through my warm and empathic stance, we’ll get curious about patterns from the past that may be keeping you stuck and experiment with new ways of being that align more deeply with your true needs and wants. We will acknowledge the brilliance of these survival strategies, recognize how they may be limiting you, and work together to facilitate a sense of greater self-alignment and joy.
I specialize in work with adults, 18 through 100+, coping with depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and other issues.
A wise man once told me, "Life is like a circle, at different points on the circumference we view the same core." This reminded of therapy. How at different points on the circumference of our lives, different transitions, losses, relationship issues, or medical issues introduce themselves and we view how our core responds. Sometimes depression, anxiety, anger, and fear ensue. We can continue to look away and ignore these responses that interfere with our goals, or we can decide we are going to work with a therapist.
Together, we embrace that core strengthening and empowering it so it can meet life's challenges effectively.
I specialize in work with adults, 18 through 100+, coping with depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and other issues.
A wise man once told me, "Life is like a circle, at different points on the circumference we view the same core." This reminded of therapy. How at different points on the circumference of our lives, different transitions, losses, relationship issues, or medical issues introduce themselves and we view how our core responds. Sometimes depression, anxiety, anger, and fear ensue. We can continue to look away and ignore these responses that interfere with our goals, or we can decide we are going to work with a therapist.
Together, we embrace that core strengthening and empowering it so it can meet life's challenges effectively.
I specialize in relationships, individual counseling, LGBTQ+, and coping with chronic illness.
I can hold space for you in a way that is both enlightening and challenging. I have experienced co-dependent/destructive relationships, and I know firsthand how to unlearn codependent patterns. Additionally, I live with a chronic illness and can relate to the inconsistency it demands.
I specialize in relationships, individual counseling, LGBTQ+, and coping with chronic illness.
I can hold space for you in a way that is both enlightening and challenging. I have experienced co-dependent/destructive relationships, and I know firsthand how to unlearn codependent patterns. Additionally, I live with a chronic illness and can relate to the inconsistency it demands.
Other areas of speciality include queerness, anxiety, disordered eating, life transitions, & chronic illness.
I believe that therapy is an intuitive and collaborative process. I view my work as a privilege, and believe that the therapeutic relationship is built over time. I hope to co-create a space of mutual growth with you, exploring pathways of healing, connection, and meaning. I bring humor, compassion, and support to our work together. In our sessions, we’ll explore the foundational patterns that shape your relationships with yourself, others, and the world.
Other areas of speciality include queerness, anxiety, disordered eating, life transitions, & chronic illness.
I believe that therapy is an intuitive and collaborative process. I view my work as a privilege, and believe that the therapeutic relationship is built over time. I hope to co-create a space of mutual growth with you, exploring pathways of healing, connection, and meaning. I bring humor, compassion, and support to our work together. In our sessions, we’ll explore the foundational patterns that shape your relationships with yourself, others, and the world.
Meet Our Chronic Illness Therapists
Amanda Adams
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
If you're scrolling through these pages, something in life has pushed you to decide to seek support. Maybe you're a new parent, struggling to process recent birth trauma while also figuring out how to take care of the new little life in your arms. Perhaps you've been able to manage symptoms of ADHD well enough until recently, and suddenly the overwhelm and executive dysfunction is becoming too much of a challenge to navigate alone. Anxiety, ADHD, depression, postpartum and parenting...all of these can lead us to feel isolated and alone sometimes, struggling to figure out how to cope. You don't have to figure it out alone; welcome!
If you're scrolling through these pages, something in life has pushed you to decide to seek support. Maybe you're a new parent, struggling to process recent birth trauma while also figuring out how to take care of the new little life in your arms. Perhaps you've been able to manage symptoms of ADHD well enough until recently, and suddenly the overwhelm and executive dysfunction is becoming too much of a challenge to navigate alone. Anxiety, ADHD, depression, postpartum and parenting...all of these can lead us to feel isolated and alone sometimes, struggling to figure out how to cope. You don't have to figure it out alone; welcome!
Regarding therapy, I provide ongoing therapy to individuals who are struggling with anxiety, chronic illness, or general life-related stress.
I offer both assessment and therapy options for adults. Currently, I work with adults who are looking to answer questions regarding neurodiversity, as well as those seeking bariatric surgery. I also work therapeutically with adolescents and adults to discuss strategies for coping chronic illness as well as peripartum and postpartum mental health.
Regarding therapy, I provide ongoing therapy to individuals who are struggling with anxiety, chronic illness, or general life-related stress.
I offer both assessment and therapy options for adults. Currently, I work with adults who are looking to answer questions regarding neurodiversity, as well as those seeking bariatric surgery. I also work therapeutically with adolescents and adults to discuss strategies for coping chronic illness as well as peripartum and postpartum mental health.
Annie Strout
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19145
Specializing in Dynamic Couples Trauma Therapy, Chronic Illness, Inner Child and Shadow Work.
Couples Trauma Therapy is for people dedicated to understanding and repairing relationships that are struggling to stay afloat. I use simultaneous EMDR, Energy and Parts work to help couples connect with their deepest needs and insecurities. Early life experiences create subconscious expectations or thought processes that emerge in our closest relationships.
Specializing in Dynamic Couples Trauma Therapy, Chronic Illness, Inner Child and Shadow Work.
Couples Trauma Therapy is for people dedicated to understanding and repairing relationships that are struggling to stay afloat. I use simultaneous EMDR, Energy and Parts work to help couples connect with their deepest needs and insecurities. Early life experiences create subconscious expectations or thought processes that emerge in our closest relationships.
Rachel Allender
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19107
I am highly skilled at helping clients with depression, anxiety, relationships, chronic illness, life transitions, and work/life balance.
My specialty as a psychotherapist is working with adults for individual and couples counseling. I am LGBTQ affirming.
I am highly skilled at helping clients with depression, anxiety, relationships, chronic illness, life transitions, and work/life balance.
My specialty as a psychotherapist is working with adults for individual and couples counseling. I am LGBTQ affirming.
I specialize in working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and self-esteem.
With a commitment to open communication, therapy becomes a transformative journey that will help you reclaim control, peace, and happiness in your life. Embrace the potential for profound change and discover the strength within you. I empower clients to overcome challenges like panic attacks, generalized anxiety, depression, and other psychological stressors. Through personalized strategies, we will uncover the root causes of anxiety, eliminate self-destructive behaviours, and find comfort and clarity in your circumstances.
I specialize in working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and self-esteem.
With a commitment to open communication, therapy becomes a transformative journey that will help you reclaim control, peace, and happiness in your life. Embrace the potential for profound change and discover the strength within you. I empower clients to overcome challenges like panic attacks, generalized anxiety, depression, and other psychological stressors. Through personalized strategies, we will uncover the root causes of anxiety, eliminate self-destructive behaviours, and find comfort and clarity in your circumstances.
I have several years experience working in grief and loss and chronic illness.
Throughout my career I have worked with the chronically and terminally ill as well as their caregivers. Taking on the role of caring for another is an honorable yet difficult task. I will encourage self care and talking through frustrations, challenges and difficulties you may face as a caregiver.
I have several years experience working in grief and loss and chronic illness.
Throughout my career I have worked with the chronically and terminally ill as well as their caregivers. Taking on the role of caring for another is an honorable yet difficult task. I will encourage self care and talking through frustrations, challenges and difficulties you may face as a caregiver.
Samantha Tomer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19130
I specialize in working with adults dealing with sexual abuse & assault, chronic illness & autoimmune conditions, and anxiety.
It’s like you’ve become a master at putting on a face, so that no one sees the true pain you feel. Maybe it’s a daily struggle to make sense of everything you’re feeling. Even on your best days, it can feel like your body is fighting against you, leaving you drained and defeated. You wish you could relax or slow down, but how? What you’ve been through has left deep scars on your personal life and relationships. It’s affecting your ability to trust others and feel safe. You may find yourself avoiding family and anything that triggers memories of the past, making it difficult to connect with others on a deep or meaningful level.
I specialize in working with adults dealing with sexual abuse & assault, chronic illness & autoimmune conditions, and anxiety.
It’s like you’ve become a master at putting on a face, so that no one sees the true pain you feel. Maybe it’s a daily struggle to make sense of everything you’re feeling. Even on your best days, it can feel like your body is fighting against you, leaving you drained and defeated. You wish you could relax or slow down, but how? What you’ve been through has left deep scars on your personal life and relationships. It’s affecting your ability to trust others and feel safe. You may find yourself avoiding family and anything that triggers memories of the past, making it difficult to connect with others on a deep or meaningful level.
I often work with people who are feeling stuck—whether it's due to anxiety, depression, addiction, chronic illness, or persistent stress.
I offer a calm, empathetic space where we’ll create a plan for how to approach therapy together. I typically draw from ACT, CBT, mindfulness, and biofeedback-informed strategies to reduce suffering and increase connection to the present. My integrative approach aims to helps clients cultivate insight, self-compassion, and meaningful action.
I often work with people who are feeling stuck—whether it's due to anxiety, depression, addiction, chronic illness, or persistent stress.
I offer a calm, empathetic space where we’ll create a plan for how to approach therapy together. I typically draw from ACT, CBT, mindfulness, and biofeedback-informed strategies to reduce suffering and increase connection to the present. My integrative approach aims to helps clients cultivate insight, self-compassion, and meaningful action.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and I work with clients with eating disorders, chronic illness, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, women's issues and life transitions.
Resiliency is defined as "the ability to bounce back from difficulties". I believe that we all have an inner resilience that we just need to uncover. Sometimes we may even feel that we are almost forced to be resilient; however, we may just be in survival mode.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and I work with clients with eating disorders, chronic illness, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, women's issues and life transitions.
Resiliency is defined as "the ability to bounce back from difficulties". I believe that we all have an inner resilience that we just need to uncover. Sometimes we may even feel that we are almost forced to be resilient; however, we may just be in survival mode.
See more therapy options for Philadelphia
Nearby Chronic Illness Therapists Searches for Philadelphia
- Ardmore
- Bala Cynwyd
- Cheltenham
- Drexel Hill
- Elkins Park
- Gladwyne
- Havertown
- Merion Station
- Narberth
- Sharon Hill
- Wyncote
- Wynnewood
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.