Chronic Illness Therapists in Philadelphia, PA
As a partner to a person with chronic illness, I appreciate having the opportunity to support other caregivers as they navigate caring for their loved ones and keeping their own needs in mind.
My experience includes treatment of depression, anxiety, ptsd, distress tolerance, anger management, work/life balance, processing losses and grief, stress reduction, relationships, boundary setting, empowerment, communication issues, experiencing life changes, chronic pain and illness as well as the importance of self-care for caregivers
As a partner to a person with chronic illness, I appreciate having the opportunity to support other caregivers as they navigate caring for their loved ones and keeping their own needs in mind.
My experience includes treatment of depression, anxiety, ptsd, distress tolerance, anger management, work/life balance, processing losses and grief, stress reduction, relationships, boundary setting, empowerment, communication issues, experiencing life changes, chronic pain and illness as well as the importance of self-care for caregivers
If you're a teen or young adult living with chronic illness, you're likely exhausted—physically, emotionally, and from constantly having to explain yourself.
As a health psychologist, I help teens and young adults with chronic illness—like POTS, Ehlers-Danlos, migraines, and chronic pain—feel supported, not dismissed. I use evidence-based strategies to address anxiety, depression, changes in identity, medical trauma, and daily functioning while honoring your limits and improving quality of life.
If you're a teen or young adult living with chronic illness, you're likely exhausted—physically, emotionally, and from constantly having to explain yourself.
As a health psychologist, I help teens and young adults with chronic illness—like POTS, Ehlers-Danlos, migraines, and chronic pain—feel supported, not dismissed. I use evidence-based strategies to address anxiety, depression, changes in identity, medical trauma, and daily functioning while honoring your limits and improving quality of life.
It can feel impossible to navigate chronic burnout, especially when the path may be blocked by barriers related to chronic illness and pain, executive functioning and sensory needs, and/or unprocessed trauma.
My approach is trauma-informed and client centered, with focuses in neurodiversity affirming, queer affirming, and sex-positive therapy. I am an EMDR therapist, and often use various techniques that offer a balance of structure and flexibility. These skills help to broaden the understanding of your internal world, while leaning into curiosity and compassion.
It can feel impossible to navigate chronic burnout, especially when the path may be blocked by barriers related to chronic illness and pain, executive functioning and sensory needs, and/or unprocessed trauma.
My approach is trauma-informed and client centered, with focuses in neurodiversity affirming, queer affirming, and sex-positive therapy. I am an EMDR therapist, and often use various techniques that offer a balance of structure and flexibility. These skills help to broaden the understanding of your internal world, while leaning into curiosity and compassion.
We start with the presenting problem: relationships, trauma, chronic illness/pain, childhood issues, depression, anxiety, etc.
Greetings! Let me introduce myself, I'm Nancy Van Saun, LCSW. My license number is CW 013529. I have been trained in numerous modalities and theoretical frameworks. I try to adapt my approach to the client's needs. I have worked with many varying populations as well. I feel this gives me a broad perspective on a client's life experience.
We start with the presenting problem: relationships, trauma, chronic illness/pain, childhood issues, depression, anxiety, etc.
Greetings! Let me introduce myself, I'm Nancy Van Saun, LCSW. My license number is CW 013529. I have been trained in numerous modalities and theoretical frameworks. I try to adapt my approach to the client's needs. I have worked with many varying populations as well. I feel this gives me a broad perspective on a client's life experience.
I enjoy working with teenagers, artists, activists, meditators, spiritual seekers, neurodivergent people, queer and trans people, people in non-monogamous relationships, people with chronic illness, and anyone interested in learning to how to extend care to all the feelings that live within us.
Being a human is difficult. Life is stressful and overwhelming. Things just don’t seem to make sense. And sometimes it feels like it’s your fault for not being able to keep up with it. You try and put effort in, but the same patterns keep repeating and you find yourself again demoralized, hurt, and confused. Why can’t you get it right? The good news is that there’s nothing wrong with you. These are normal reactions to the way things are. In the therapy room, we can slow things down to be with the stress and overwhelm, the hurt and confusion. We can bring compassion and validation to the tender areas that need healing and rest.
I enjoy working with teenagers, artists, activists, meditators, spiritual seekers, neurodivergent people, queer and trans people, people in non-monogamous relationships, people with chronic illness, and anyone interested in learning to how to extend care to all the feelings that live within us.
Being a human is difficult. Life is stressful and overwhelming. Things just don’t seem to make sense. And sometimes it feels like it’s your fault for not being able to keep up with it. You try and put effort in, but the same patterns keep repeating and you find yourself again demoralized, hurt, and confused. Why can’t you get it right? The good news is that there’s nothing wrong with you. These are normal reactions to the way things are. In the therapy room, we can slow things down to be with the stress and overwhelm, the hurt and confusion. We can bring compassion and validation to the tender areas that need healing and rest.
Psychological issues closely interact with physical health issues, such as chronic illness/pain, energy deficiency, sleeping, memory loss, eating/weight issues, etc.
I use an integrated clinical approach that combines emotional, biological, interpersonal, and cognitive dynamics with evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Mindful-Based Stress Reduction to help you process and reduce emotional and physical stress and regain a balance of life.
Psychological issues closely interact with physical health issues, such as chronic illness/pain, energy deficiency, sleeping, memory loss, eating/weight issues, etc.
I use an integrated clinical approach that combines emotional, biological, interpersonal, and cognitive dynamics with evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Mindful-Based Stress Reduction to help you process and reduce emotional and physical stress and regain a balance of life.
I aim to create a safe haven for all, particularly LGBTQIA+ individuals (asexual/aromantic affirming), neurodiverse experiences (none-ableist and chronic illness supporting), polyamorous/alternate relationships, existential explorations (secular/faith-based), and all pursuits of personal healing/ discovery/ connection/ expression/ peace/ actualization.
I prioritize building a genuine and supportive client-therapist relationship, and tend to encourage a balanced exploration of cognitive and relational patterns and emotional processing and re-connection. I offer a flexible approach allowing sessions to flow organically or incorporating structured tools (workbooks, psychoeducation, between-session exercises).
I aim to create a safe haven for all, particularly LGBTQIA+ individuals (asexual/aromantic affirming), neurodiverse experiences (none-ableist and chronic illness supporting), polyamorous/alternate relationships, existential explorations (secular/faith-based), and all pursuits of personal healing/ discovery/ connection/ expression/ peace/ actualization.
I prioritize building a genuine and supportive client-therapist relationship, and tend to encourage a balanced exploration of cognitive and relational patterns and emotional processing and re-connection. I offer a flexible approach allowing sessions to flow organically or incorporating structured tools (workbooks, psychoeducation, between-session exercises).
A lot of the work was rooted in HIV, chronic illness, intellectual disabilities, major depression and anxiety, sexuality, aging, relationships, and end-of-life care.
Seeking support & showing up for yourself means you're already doing the work! My name is Robin-John (or RJ) Stewart and I hope to build momentum with you in a safe space that empowers staying present and protecting your wellness as a priority. It can be scary and exhausting to work on ourselves or through experiences with others, and change is hard so let's do this together. What we walk into therapy for starts with you, and where we go we do together at your pace, you are your own expert. My approach is to amplify, stabilize, and nurture that inner voice that guides us in our tomorrows.
A lot of the work was rooted in HIV, chronic illness, intellectual disabilities, major depression and anxiety, sexuality, aging, relationships, and end-of-life care.
Seeking support & showing up for yourself means you're already doing the work! My name is Robin-John (or RJ) Stewart and I hope to build momentum with you in a safe space that empowers staying present and protecting your wellness as a priority. It can be scary and exhausting to work on ourselves or through experiences with others, and change is hard so let's do this together. What we walk into therapy for starts with you, and where we go we do together at your pace, you are your own expert. My approach is to amplify, stabilize, and nurture that inner voice that guides us in our tomorrows.
My clinical experiences include supporting veterans, individuals facing chronic illness, those managing significant stressors, and those managing life transitions.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. I’m so glad you are here. Taking the first step toward support is a powerful decision and I am honored to be part of your journey. As a clinical psychologist, I provide a warm and collaborative space where you can feel understood and valued.
My clinical experiences include supporting veterans, individuals facing chronic illness, those managing significant stressors, and those managing life transitions.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. I’m so glad you are here. Taking the first step toward support is a powerful decision and I am honored to be part of your journey. As a clinical psychologist, I provide a warm and collaborative space where you can feel understood and valued.
Suzy Bonn
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
3 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in intergenerational trauma, identity development, grief & loss, coping with chronic illness, and ADHD management.
I use a non-pathologizing approach that aims to validate your unique experience while helping you gain a better understanding of yourself and your relationships. My philosophy? You are the expert in your own experience and it’s my job to walk alongside you as we untangle the complex threads of our internal and external worlds.
I specialize in intergenerational trauma, identity development, grief & loss, coping with chronic illness, and ADHD management.
I use a non-pathologizing approach that aims to validate your unique experience while helping you gain a better understanding of yourself and your relationships. My philosophy? You are the expert in your own experience and it’s my job to walk alongside you as we untangle the complex threads of our internal and external worlds.
Sam Sperling (licensed in PA, NJ and DE)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Online Only
The majority of clients that I work with are living with complex trauma, chronic pain, chronic illness or some combination of the aforementioned.
Your life has become exhausting. You have so much to do and your efforts never feel like they are enough. You would like to take time to slow down and focus on yourself for a change, but when will that realistically happen? There will always be something else to get done and you can’t seem to catch a break. Maybe your pain is taking the driver's seat, unsure of when your next flare up will strike. Maybe you've made your world smaller in hopes of having more control, but things continue to feel not quite right. You feel stuck in this place for what feels like an eternity and feeling uncertain about the future has become your jam.
The majority of clients that I work with are living with complex trauma, chronic pain, chronic illness or some combination of the aforementioned.
Your life has become exhausting. You have so much to do and your efforts never feel like they are enough. You would like to take time to slow down and focus on yourself for a change, but when will that realistically happen? There will always be something else to get done and you can’t seem to catch a break. Maybe your pain is taking the driver's seat, unsure of when your next flare up will strike. Maybe you've made your world smaller in hopes of having more control, but things continue to feel not quite right. You feel stuck in this place for what feels like an eternity and feeling uncertain about the future has become your jam.
We start with the presenting problem: relationships, trauma, chronic illness/pain, childhood issues, depression, anxiety, etc.
Greetings! Let me introduce myself, I'm Nancy Van Saun, LCSW. My license number is CW 013529. I have been trained in numerous modalities and theoretical frameworks. I try to adapt my approach to the client's needs. I have worked with many varying populations as well. I feel this gives me a broad perspective on a client's life experience.
We start with the presenting problem: relationships, trauma, chronic illness/pain, childhood issues, depression, anxiety, etc.
Greetings! Let me introduce myself, I'm Nancy Van Saun, LCSW. My license number is CW 013529. I have been trained in numerous modalities and theoretical frameworks. I try to adapt my approach to the client's needs. I have worked with many varying populations as well. I feel this gives me a broad perspective on a client's life experience.
My clinical experiences include supporting veterans, individuals facing chronic illness, those managing significant stressors, and those managing life transitions.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. I’m so glad you are here. Taking the first step toward support is a powerful decision and I am honored to be part of your journey. As a clinical psychologist, I provide a warm and collaborative space where you can feel understood and valued.
My clinical experiences include supporting veterans, individuals facing chronic illness, those managing significant stressors, and those managing life transitions.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. I’m so glad you are here. Taking the first step toward support is a powerful decision and I am honored to be part of your journey. As a clinical psychologist, I provide a warm and collaborative space where you can feel understood and valued.
I support people dealing with depression, anxiety, relational distress, life transitions, gender and sexuality exploration, chronic illness, autism and/or ADHD.
I will show up calm and open minded, listen with empathy, and use humor when appropriate. I believe you are the expert on your own life. I utilize a systemic, person centered approach that is trauma informed. I believe in transparency in the therapy process and deciding together what approaches work best.
I support people dealing with depression, anxiety, relational distress, life transitions, gender and sexuality exploration, chronic illness, autism and/or ADHD.
I will show up calm and open minded, listen with empathy, and use humor when appropriate. I believe you are the expert on your own life. I utilize a systemic, person centered approach that is trauma informed. I believe in transparency in the therapy process and deciding together what approaches work best.
Some of my specialties include trauma, anxiety, OCD, personality disorders, depression, substance use, HIV psychology, immigration, and chronic illness.
I integrate multiple treatment models in my work to personalize care for individuals. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and psychodynamic therapy to connect with you and find what approaches resonate best with you and your current needs.
Some of my specialties include trauma, anxiety, OCD, personality disorders, depression, substance use, HIV psychology, immigration, and chronic illness.
I integrate multiple treatment models in my work to personalize care for individuals. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and psychodynamic therapy to connect with you and find what approaches resonate best with you and your current needs.
Now enrolling participants in a virtual support group for adults in Pennsylvania Michigan or Michigan experiencing chronic illness and/or pain.
Availability NEXT week! Life is hard for most of us. Needing support does not mean you are weak or broken; it simply means you're human. The most honest thing we can do when the demands of life outweigh our capacity to cope is to reach out for support. Kudos to you for embarking on this brave (and potentially daunting) journey! As a therapist, I aim to create an emotionally safe and supportive environment where you can be yourself. I also like incorporating humor and laughter in therapy to alleviate fears and foster a sense of safety and trust. My ultimate goal is for you to feel seen, understood, and supported.
Now enrolling participants in a virtual support group for adults in Pennsylvania Michigan or Michigan experiencing chronic illness and/or pain.
Availability NEXT week! Life is hard for most of us. Needing support does not mean you are weak or broken; it simply means you're human. The most honest thing we can do when the demands of life outweigh our capacity to cope is to reach out for support. Kudos to you for embarking on this brave (and potentially daunting) journey! As a therapist, I aim to create an emotionally safe and supportive environment where you can be yourself. I also like incorporating humor and laughter in therapy to alleviate fears and foster a sense of safety and trust. My ultimate goal is for you to feel seen, understood, and supported.
I have experience in hospice and medical settings, giving me advanced understanding of chronic illness, grief and loss and medical trauma .
Do you have the desire to change patterns no longer serving you? To tame your anxiety? Reduce burnout from life demands? Or heal from trauma? Whether it’s a recent event or lifelong challenges, my aim is to help you gain peaceful balance empowering you with tools for lasting resilience. I'm certified in EMDR and my approach is rooted in blending evidence-based practices tailored to your unique needs while fostering an environment where you can build on inner strengths and learn the tools you need to manage complex emotions at your own pace.
I have experience in hospice and medical settings, giving me advanced understanding of chronic illness, grief and loss and medical trauma .
Do you have the desire to change patterns no longer serving you? To tame your anxiety? Reduce burnout from life demands? Or heal from trauma? Whether it’s a recent event or lifelong challenges, my aim is to help you gain peaceful balance empowering you with tools for lasting resilience. I'm certified in EMDR and my approach is rooted in blending evidence-based practices tailored to your unique needs while fostering an environment where you can build on inner strengths and learn the tools you need to manage complex emotions at your own pace.
I have experience working with LGBTQ clients who struggle with a myriad of challenges like depression, anxiety, stress, and chronic illness (HIV/AIDS).
Are you looking for therapy that feels more human, or maybe you’re having a hard time finding a Black or LGBTQ+ therapist? My name is Victor Trussell (he/him) and I specialize in working with folks who are navigating anxiety and depression. Sometimes when life is life-ing, it can be helpful to talk to someone about it.
I have experience working with LGBTQ clients who struggle with a myriad of challenges like depression, anxiety, stress, and chronic illness (HIV/AIDS).
Are you looking for therapy that feels more human, or maybe you’re having a hard time finding a Black or LGBTQ+ therapist? My name is Victor Trussell (he/him) and I specialize in working with folks who are navigating anxiety and depression. Sometimes when life is life-ing, it can be helpful to talk to someone about it.
Specialties: anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic illness/pain, relationship distress, sexual dissatisfaction, conflict-resolution concerns, communication issues, self-esteem concerns, parenting issues.
Hi! I am an individual, relationship, and sex therapist who wants to help you feel better in every area of your life. I use an empathic, collaborative approach to meet you where you are, helping you to explore the best ways to accomplish your goals. I want to help you find clarity around what would make your life more satisfying and how to make that happen. Working with me means finding patterns in your life that are no longer serving you and identifying next steps to make the changes you desire. Working with me means discovering and understanding yourself on a deep level and empowering yourself to live authentically.
Specialties: anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic illness/pain, relationship distress, sexual dissatisfaction, conflict-resolution concerns, communication issues, self-esteem concerns, parenting issues.
Hi! I am an individual, relationship, and sex therapist who wants to help you feel better in every area of your life. I use an empathic, collaborative approach to meet you where you are, helping you to explore the best ways to accomplish your goals. I want to help you find clarity around what would make your life more satisfying and how to make that happen. Working with me means finding patterns in your life that are no longer serving you and identifying next steps to make the changes you desire. Working with me means discovering and understanding yourself on a deep level and empowering yourself to live authentically.
Whether you're facing the complexities of motherhood, managing the mental toll of chronic illness, or feeling stuck in anxiety or intrusive thoughts, I’m here to help you make sense of your experience and move toward a life aligned with your values.
I work with individuals navigating chronic health conditions, perinatal and women’s mental health, anxiety disorders, and depression. My work is informed by compassion and challenge—I believe in creating a space that is not only supportive but also encourages growth, insight, and meaningful change. Clients often describe me as intuitive, direct, and grounded in humor. I view therapy as a dynamic and creative process—one that involves curiosity, courage, laughter, and of course some(a lot of) tears. I am here to guide you in finding your true self.
Whether you're facing the complexities of motherhood, managing the mental toll of chronic illness, or feeling stuck in anxiety or intrusive thoughts, I’m here to help you make sense of your experience and move toward a life aligned with your values.
I work with individuals navigating chronic health conditions, perinatal and women’s mental health, anxiety disorders, and depression. My work is informed by compassion and challenge—I believe in creating a space that is not only supportive but also encourages growth, insight, and meaningful change. Clients often describe me as intuitive, direct, and grounded in humor. I view therapy as a dynamic and creative process—one that involves curiosity, courage, laughter, and of course some(a lot of) tears. I am here to guide you in finding your true self.
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