Are You Struggling With Chronic Disease and Illness Management?

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For individuals experiencing chronic diseases, mental health issues may arise throughout their illness. Getting the diagnosis of a chronic illness can be devastating, confusing, and scary.

Available Treatment Options

Therapist interventions take many forms for patients dealing with chronic diseases. Counseling can include support groups, where people can interact with others going through the same thing. It also may include psychoeducation, where therapists help people learn more about anxiety, depression, or another mental health issue they may be experiencing. And traditional talk therapy is an option where counselors engage with patients and help them work through emotions.

People with chronic diseases may experience daily pain or discomfort, leading to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Counseling for chronic disease management addresses each person’s unique situation and considers the details of their experience. Techniques therapists could use include mindfulness practices to manage anxiety and pain, examining thought processes that may be unhelpful to mental health and physical recovery, or family therapy to help the family process the changes.

Therapists Who Specialize in Helping Those Who Struggle With Chronic Disease and Illness Management

Charity Enwere, DNP, A-GNP-C

New York

New York

I believe that each individual is unique and deserves to be treated as such. My goal is to support you in taking the time to truly understand yourself, your strengths and challenges so that you can make informed decisions about the direction of your life. I’m not interested in throwing a bunch of pills at you and calling it a day, but I want to help you understand what’s going on with your body...
None of us becomes who we are in isolation. We'll work together in a safe and collaborative environment to set and follow the trajectory toward your own definition of success. I have experience with anxiety, depression, chronic illness, and trauma. A specialty of my practice is working with transgender and gender nonconforming individuals and their families.
My approach to counseling focuses on the individual’s unique needs and goals. Every person has the capacity for growth and change. I aim to provide a supportive, safe, non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings, learn new skills, and better understand yourself and your situation. My counseling services are confidential, compassionate, and empowering. She believes in treating eve...

Kayte Heslet, MS, LMFT

Sherman Oaks

California

I have specialized areas of experience/in-depth training in healing from trauma of many kinds, including abuse and Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN); working with the kinds of anxiety and depression that seem to be well on the way toward burnout; helping individuals who are struggling within their relationships; and assisting stepmoms/future stepmoms in managing the unique dynamics and stressor...
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience, an MS in Counseling from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, and a BA in Psychology from Schreiner University in Kerrville, TX. During my career, I have worked with people with severe mental illness in psychiatric hospitals as well as people recovering from various traumas. I have worked with people and their famili...

Deborah Danner, Ph.D., LCPC, CADC, NCC

Rolling Meadows

Illinois

Deborah Danner has numerous certifications in trauma treatment and focuses sessions on helping you become more empowered in your life. She uses gentleness, honesty, and awareness to help previously ignored parts of you be heard. Patience and self-compassion are the centers of her therapy sessions. Her ultimate goal is to help you regain control of your life and love yourself.

Erin Falconer, PhD, MSc, LMSW

New York

New York

I aim to create a safe space to collaboratively process trauma and work on issues such as anxiety, depression, chronic illness, relationship struggles, abuse, life and career concerns, and issues around identity and creative expression. I also specialize in helping people recover from coercive control and influence, including survivors of cultic abuse and high demand groups.

Nicole M. Kotchka, LMSW, CAADC

Grand Rapids

Michigan

Nicole is a licensed Master Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She graduated with her Bachelor degree in Psychology and Sociology from Central Michigan University and obtained her Master degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State University. Nicole has experience in crisis intervention working in the psychiatric setting as well as various residential facilities. She…