Chronic Illness Therapists in York, Bellingham, WA
Regrets no current openings. Waitlist available. I work with individuals & individuals of couples & particularly appreciate working with young adults & elder adults. Emphasis is on building self-efficacy, a positive psychology approach supported by CBT - not only navigating the impact of internal and external weaknesses but also building your strengths - what else is going to bail you when times get rough! And yes, it's OK to have weaknesses. No human is without. To say, "I have weakness," is not to say, "I am weak."
Regrets no current openings. Waitlist available. I work with individuals & individuals of couples & particularly appreciate working with young adults & elder adults. Emphasis is on building self-efficacy, a positive psychology approach supported by CBT - not only navigating the impact of internal and external weaknesses but also building your strengths - what else is going to bail you when times get rough! And yes, it's OK to have weaknesses. No human is without. To say, "I have weakness," is not to say, "I am weak."
I am accepting new clients.
You feel unnatural, like you’re following instructions. The idea of washing the dishes or emptying the dryer feels heavy, intimidating. You are lonely most of the day, but spending time with people doesn’t help. You try not to think about the future too much. You’re busy all day, and the tasks keep on piling up with no end in sight: there’s a long list of things you “haven’t gotten to yet”. Not even people close to you understand how hard you are working and how precarious your life is. Doctors haven’t helped any more than religion or podcasts. If anything, you are sinking deeper.
I am accepting new clients.
You feel unnatural, like you’re following instructions. The idea of washing the dishes or emptying the dryer feels heavy, intimidating. You are lonely most of the day, but spending time with people doesn’t help. You try not to think about the future too much. You’re busy all day, and the tasks keep on piling up with no end in sight: there’s a long list of things you “haven’t gotten to yet”. Not even people close to you understand how hard you are working and how precarious your life is. Doctors haven’t helped any more than religion or podcasts. If anything, you are sinking deeper.
Life can take us on an unexpected journey. Sometimes it brings an exciting adventure, and other times it leaves us feeling anxious and out of control. Do you find yourself wishing you could get "back to normal" or wondering how to cope? Many of my clients seek therapy because they want to feel like themselves again. Trauma, loss, and other life transitions are painful, but difficult experiences don't define who you are. We all have the inner capacity for healing and growth.
Life can take us on an unexpected journey. Sometimes it brings an exciting adventure, and other times it leaves us feeling anxious and out of control. Do you find yourself wishing you could get "back to normal" or wondering how to cope? Many of my clients seek therapy because they want to feel like themselves again. Trauma, loss, and other life transitions are painful, but difficult experiences don't define who you are. We all have the inner capacity for healing and growth.
Nearby Chronic Illness Therapists Searches for York, Bellingham
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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.