Chronic Illness Therapists in Seattle, WA
I am a trauma-focused practitioner and have experience working with adults and elders on a variety of concerns, including life transitions and stress, traumatic experiences, toxic and abusive relationships, chronic illness and disability, gender, sexuality, anxiety, and depression.
While I work with individuals, there are structural imbalances in our society that contribute to individual problems. For example, dealing with rape culture, patriarchy, white supremacy, colonialism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism. I believe that these structural problems are relevant to the individual therapeutic experience.
I am a trauma-focused practitioner and have experience working with adults and elders on a variety of concerns, including life transitions and stress, traumatic experiences, toxic and abusive relationships, chronic illness and disability, gender, sexuality, anxiety, and depression.
While I work with individuals, there are structural imbalances in our society that contribute to individual problems. For example, dealing with rape culture, patriarchy, white supremacy, colonialism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism. I believe that these structural problems are relevant to the individual therapeutic experience.
I specialize in working with adults navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief, religious trauma, chronic illness, and the effects of trauma.
I believe in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel truly heard and supported. Using evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), strength-based approaches, and narrative therapy, I aim to help you process your experiences, build resilience, and find a path to healing that feels authentic to you.
I specialize in working with adults navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief, religious trauma, chronic illness, and the effects of trauma.
I believe in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel truly heard and supported. Using evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), strength-based approaches, and narrative therapy, I aim to help you process your experiences, build resilience, and find a path to healing that feels authentic to you.
As a queer and chronically ill-identifying therapist, I particularly enjoy working with clients navigating chronic illness—especially gut disorders—and LGBTQIA+ issues.
Updated 2/6/25: I’m currently accepting new couples, family, and individual clients. My goal is to build a trusting and safe therapeutic relationship where I can guide you through the nonlinear, messy, and often uncomfortable therapy process. Drawing on my background as a licensed massage therapist, I emphasize exploring how stress, trauma, and social factors impact the body and nervous system. My work is systemic and grounded in social justice, with a deep curiosity about how family, community, and cultural narratives shape your lived experience.
As a queer and chronically ill-identifying therapist, I particularly enjoy working with clients navigating chronic illness—especially gut disorders—and LGBTQIA+ issues.
Updated 2/6/25: I’m currently accepting new couples, family, and individual clients. My goal is to build a trusting and safe therapeutic relationship where I can guide you through the nonlinear, messy, and often uncomfortable therapy process. Drawing on my background as a licensed massage therapist, I emphasize exploring how stress, trauma, and social factors impact the body and nervous system. My work is systemic and grounded in social justice, with a deep curiosity about how family, community, and cultural narratives shape your lived experience.
I specialize in working with chronic illness/disability, developmental and life transitions, the exploration of self (which may include ADHD, autism, depression, or anxiety), & teen/young adult development.
Being true to yourself in a changing world can be challenging. Therapy can help you to clarify who you are, what you believe, and how to get on the path you want to take. Counseling is an investment in yourself and a chance to be intentional with the life you have ahead. Life’s transitions and obstacles, whether they be internal, external, or systemic, can be made easier with some assistance. Holding space, bearing witness, identifying patterns, and highlighting your strengths: my role adjusts to your needs. My clients are able to share their whole selves as they work towards becoming their best selves.
I specialize in working with chronic illness/disability, developmental and life transitions, the exploration of self (which may include ADHD, autism, depression, or anxiety), & teen/young adult development.
Being true to yourself in a changing world can be challenging. Therapy can help you to clarify who you are, what you believe, and how to get on the path you want to take. Counseling is an investment in yourself and a chance to be intentional with the life you have ahead. Life’s transitions and obstacles, whether they be internal, external, or systemic, can be made easier with some assistance. Holding space, bearing witness, identifying patterns, and highlighting your strengths: my role adjusts to your needs. My clients are able to share their whole selves as they work towards becoming their best selves.
Hosia Keene
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMHC, CADC1, SUDP, LPCC
Verified Verified
Online Only
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 your 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.
I am a nervous system informed, ACT therapist. I bring Existential, Attachment, and Somatic lenses to our work and will draw from my yoga teaching if it makes sense for you. I believe and research supports that the therapeutic relationship is more important than a particular model. I hope to get to know you person to person rather than expert to patient.
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 your 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.
I am a nervous system informed, ACT therapist. I bring Existential, Attachment, and Somatic lenses to our work and will draw from my yoga teaching if it makes sense for you. I believe and research supports that the therapeutic relationship is more important than a particular model. I hope to get to know you person to person rather than expert to patient.
Reach out today if you have issues related to trauma, OCD, chronic illness, or are the parents of trans kids.
I am a queer, nonbinary therapist who specializes in working with several niches of clients. I use Art Therapy, EMDR, somatic work, and psychedelic-assisted-therapy (with the adults). I offer services in WA, OR, ID, GA, and UT. Contact me for more info or pop over to my website! It's got a LOT of good info about me.
Reach out today if you have issues related to trauma, OCD, chronic illness, or are the parents of trans kids.
I am a queer, nonbinary therapist who specializes in working with several niches of clients. I use Art Therapy, EMDR, somatic work, and psychedelic-assisted-therapy (with the adults). I offer services in WA, OR, ID, GA, and UT. Contact me for more info or pop over to my website! It's got a LOT of good info about me.
I have interest in working with survivors of trauma and abuse, those suffering from chronic pain or chronic illness, the LGBTQIA+ and Neurodivergent community, and those seeking inner child healing.
I hope to be a lighthouse for you, offering a safe space to aid you in navigating the season of life you are in. Counseling is not one-size-fits-all. I believe utilizing various approaches and techniques to best fit everyone. My main focuses are CBT, ACT and Person-Centered Therapy, with an emphasis on strength-based counseling.
I have interest in working with survivors of trauma and abuse, those suffering from chronic pain or chronic illness, the LGBTQIA+ and Neurodivergent community, and those seeking inner child healing.
I hope to be a lighthouse for you, offering a safe space to aid you in navigating the season of life you are in. Counseling is not one-size-fits-all. I believe utilizing various approaches and techniques to best fit everyone. My main focuses are CBT, ACT and Person-Centered Therapy, with an emphasis on strength-based counseling.
Wen-Yu Cheng, Jungian Analyst, Neuropsychologist
Psychologist, PsyD, PSYPACT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
, stress, anxiety/depression/grief, trauma, immigration, racial identities, LGBTQ+, life transitions, aging, chronic illness, brain injury/TBI/Alzheimer's).
Since 2004, I've provided psychotherapy, teaching, and consultation in English and Mandarin globally. My skillset deepened through training experiences at C.G. Jung Institute of San Francisco, Mount Sinai Medical Center in NYC, and Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, AZ. Additionally, I serve as a board member for the C. G. Jung Institute of SF.
, stress, anxiety/depression/grief, trauma, immigration, racial identities, LGBTQ+, life transitions, aging, chronic illness, brain injury/TBI/Alzheimer's).
Since 2004, I've provided psychotherapy, teaching, and consultation in English and Mandarin globally. My skillset deepened through training experiences at C.G. Jung Institute of San Francisco, Mount Sinai Medical Center in NYC, and Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, AZ. Additionally, I serve as a board member for the C. G. Jung Institute of SF.
This is especially true when you add in ADHD, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, chronic illness, and Queerness, cultural, and relationship issues.
As a therapist, I move through sessions with a person-centered, feminist, and multicultural lens. It allows me to draw from the various perspectives of the world. I utilize skills and techniques from CBT and DBT alongside Gottman-style work in relationship sessions. Those are a lot of fancy words to say that I focus on you and your goals in therapy.
This is especially true when you add in ADHD, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, chronic illness, and Queerness, cultural, and relationship issues.
As a therapist, I move through sessions with a person-centered, feminist, and multicultural lens. It allows me to draw from the various perspectives of the world. I utilize skills and techniques from CBT and DBT alongside Gottman-style work in relationship sessions. Those are a lot of fancy words to say that I focus on you and your goals in therapy.
I specialize in supporting individuals who are living with chronic illness, injury, and physical disabilities; facing job stress, job loss, and career change; processing trauma including geopolitical crisis, displacement, natural disaster and climate disaster, and wrestling with identity and purpose.
I understand that the world can feel overwhelming and I’m here to support you throughout your healing journey and to explore the challenges you are facing. I serve individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and I strive to provide a compassionate and inclusive space for you to be seen, heard, and share your story. I am passionate about helping people to navigate uncertainty, anxiety, loss, trauma, and life transitions. My approach is centered on culturally responsive and trauma informed care.
I specialize in supporting individuals who are living with chronic illness, injury, and physical disabilities; facing job stress, job loss, and career change; processing trauma including geopolitical crisis, displacement, natural disaster and climate disaster, and wrestling with identity and purpose.
I understand that the world can feel overwhelming and I’m here to support you throughout your healing journey and to explore the challenges you are facing. I serve individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and I strive to provide a compassionate and inclusive space for you to be seen, heard, and share your story. I am passionate about helping people to navigate uncertainty, anxiety, loss, trauma, and life transitions. My approach is centered on culturally responsive and trauma informed care.
Laura Weinstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR-BC, CMHS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98112
I am experienced in the full range of challenges facing young clients, but have particular expertise with depression / anxiety/ bi-polar disorder, major life transitions and stress, suicidal thoughts, gender exploration, PTSD, and chronic illness/ pain/ disability.
My practice also offers unique parent coaching based in the experience I gained as an inpatient art therapist over the past few years at Seattle Children’s Hospital. I conducted individual and group art therapy sessions with patients on the psych unit, doing everything from teaching mindfulness art therapy techniques to helping kids de-escalate in a crisis.
I am experienced in the full range of challenges facing young clients, but have particular expertise with depression / anxiety/ bi-polar disorder, major life transitions and stress, suicidal thoughts, gender exploration, PTSD, and chronic illness/ pain/ disability.
My practice also offers unique parent coaching based in the experience I gained as an inpatient art therapist over the past few years at Seattle Children’s Hospital. I conducted individual and group art therapy sessions with patients on the psych unit, doing everything from teaching mindfulness art therapy techniques to helping kids de-escalate in a crisis.
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Bonnie Deopp Clinical Supervisor
Counselor, LMHC, CN
Verified Verified
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Complex Trauma and resulting Panic/Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Dysfunctional Coping, and Chronic Illness.
I utilize an eclectic style of therapy that emphasizes our innate worthiness and body-mind connections. I have a dual degree in Clinical Psychology and Nutrition with specializations in trauma treatments including Somatics, IFS, EMDR, and DBT. I am committed to providing a safe space for LGBTQ+, BIPOC, People of Size, and all marginalized groups.
Complex Trauma and resulting Panic/Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Dysfunctional Coping, and Chronic Illness.
I utilize an eclectic style of therapy that emphasizes our innate worthiness and body-mind connections. I have a dual degree in Clinical Psychology and Nutrition with specializations in trauma treatments including Somatics, IFS, EMDR, and DBT. I am committed to providing a safe space for LGBTQ+, BIPOC, People of Size, and all marginalized groups.
Do you feel like the world wasn’t built with you in mind? You might be navigating the complexities of neurodivergence, anxiety, or chronic illness, struggling to live authentically in a world that pushes you toward disconnection and shame.
Therapy with me is like tending a garden. Together, we’ll clear the overgrowth of shame and expectations, planting seeds of self-compassion and resilience to nurture your growth. Specializing in neurodivergent, LGBTQIA2S+, and chronically ill individuals, I bring lived experience to help you cultivate a life that feels authentic and thriving.
Do you feel like the world wasn’t built with you in mind? You might be navigating the complexities of neurodivergence, anxiety, or chronic illness, struggling to live authentically in a world that pushes you toward disconnection and shame.
Therapy with me is like tending a garden. Together, we’ll clear the overgrowth of shame and expectations, planting seeds of self-compassion and resilience to nurture your growth. Specializing in neurodivergent, LGBTQIA2S+, and chronically ill individuals, I bring lived experience to help you cultivate a life that feels authentic and thriving.
Cassady Kintner PLLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, MDFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98105
I have extensive clinical training and life experience coping with chronic illness.
I am passionate about helping people with complex, highly demanding medical conditions, particularly diabetes, to face the emotional and behavioral challenges that so often accompany chronic health problems. I also enjoy working with 15+ teens and young women struggling with feelings of being "too much" and still "not enough". There is hope, and I can help you overcome frustration and discouragement to find peace, balance and a sense of purpose. You are not alone, and you don't have to do this alone.
I have extensive clinical training and life experience coping with chronic illness.
I am passionate about helping people with complex, highly demanding medical conditions, particularly diabetes, to face the emotional and behavioral challenges that so often accompany chronic health problems. I also enjoy working with 15+ teens and young women struggling with feelings of being "too much" and still "not enough". There is hope, and I can help you overcome frustration and discouragement to find peace, balance and a sense of purpose. You are not alone, and you don't have to do this alone.
My 6+ years of experience have included working with many concerns, though LGBTQ+ issues, religious trauma and living with chronic illness have become my specialties.
Thanks for checking out my profile! My approach to counseling engages clients' unique inner worlds via practices like art therapy, dreamwork and attention to somatic signals, without neglecting the impacts of outer circumstances and systemic harms. My work as a supervisor aids counselors early in their career learning to attend in similar ways.
My 6+ years of experience have included working with many concerns, though LGBTQ+ issues, religious trauma and living with chronic illness have become my specialties.
Thanks for checking out my profile! My approach to counseling engages clients' unique inner worlds via practices like art therapy, dreamwork and attention to somatic signals, without neglecting the impacts of outer circumstances and systemic harms. My work as a supervisor aids counselors early in their career learning to attend in similar ways.
I have a particular interest in working with late or self diagnosed neurodivergent women and chronic illness sufferers.
I have a decade+ of experience working exclusively with women and their unique complexities. I practice feminist and contemporary psychodynamic therapy with a dash of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). I am a neurodivergent affirming provider, who understands what it's like to navigate the world with ailments that are invisible to others.
I have a particular interest in working with late or self diagnosed neurodivergent women and chronic illness sufferers.
I have a decade+ of experience working exclusively with women and their unique complexities. I practice feminist and contemporary psychodynamic therapy with a dash of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). I am a neurodivergent affirming provider, who understands what it's like to navigate the world with ailments that are invisible to others.
Caitlin Noelani Minniear
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CST, MDFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98109
I work with individuals and couples navigate complex relational issues involving trauma, depression, anxiety, acculturation, chronic illness, and life transitions.
I believe that healing occurs when people are given the space to explore their unique emotional experience to better understand how it colors their worldview, sense of self, and relationships with others. Within a safe therapeutic relationship, I work with my clients to make meaning out of both mundane and extraordinary moments, unlocking their ability to live a more fully present, authentic life.
I work with individuals and couples navigate complex relational issues involving trauma, depression, anxiety, acculturation, chronic illness, and life transitions.
I believe that healing occurs when people are given the space to explore their unique emotional experience to better understand how it colors their worldview, sense of self, and relationships with others. Within a safe therapeutic relationship, I work with my clients to make meaning out of both mundane and extraordinary moments, unlocking their ability to live a more fully present, authentic life.
Xyla Blue Payne
Pre-Licensed Professional, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98144
Waitlist for new clients
Coping could be more challenging because of chronic illness, pain, neurodiversity, anxiety, and depression.
My practice focuses on viewing the whole person, including their childhood, relationships, environment, mental and physical health. I led the development of a training on neurodiversity and have crisis management experience. I've witnessed the complexities in chronic illnesses and pain conditions through hospital social work and lived experience.
Coping could be more challenging because of chronic illness, pain, neurodiversity, anxiety, and depression.
My practice focuses on viewing the whole person, including their childhood, relationships, environment, mental and physical health. I led the development of a training on neurodiversity and have crisis management experience. I've witnessed the complexities in chronic illnesses and pain conditions through hospital social work and lived experience.
Ridley Beierschmitt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98133
Some of my clinical interests include: adult developmental life transitions, the impact of chronic illness (on both the person with chronic illness and those caring for someone with chronic illness/ongoing health needs), and men's issues.
I completed my master's degree in social work at University of Washington in 2010. Since that time, I've worked in a variety of medical and mental health settings, including a dialysis center and an inpatient psychiatric facility. Additionally, I have experience working with safety-sensitive professionals around mental health and substance use issues.
Some of my clinical interests include: adult developmental life transitions, the impact of chronic illness (on both the person with chronic illness and those caring for someone with chronic illness/ongoing health needs), and men's issues.
I completed my master's degree in social work at University of Washington in 2010. Since that time, I've worked in a variety of medical and mental health settings, including a dialysis center and an inpatient psychiatric facility. Additionally, I have experience working with safety-sensitive professionals around mental health and substance use issues.
I am passionate about spreading awareness of Multiple Sclerosis, the chronic illness I was diagnosed with over a decade ago.
My goal is to work collaboratively with you to help you gain agency. I will aid you in getting to know yourself deeply and aim to provide a warm, judgment- and bias-free environment so you feel safe to be vulnerable. In today's society, it is easy to become overstimulated and overwhelmed; I will strive to help you cultivate presence and peace.
I am passionate about spreading awareness of Multiple Sclerosis, the chronic illness I was diagnosed with over a decade ago.
My goal is to work collaboratively with you to help you gain agency. I will aid you in getting to know yourself deeply and aim to provide a warm, judgment- and bias-free environment so you feel safe to be vulnerable. In today's society, it is easy to become overstimulated and overwhelmed; I will strive to help you cultivate presence and peace.
See more therapy options for Seattle
Nearby Chronic Illness Therapists Searches for Seattle
- Bainbridge Island
- Bellevue
- Burien
- Kenmore
- Kirkland
- Lake Forest Park
- Lynnwood
- Medina
- Mercer Island
- Seatac
- Shoreline
- Tukwila
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.