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
It takes courage and strength to seek help and you are taking the first step today. As a licensed clinical social worker, I recognize and appreciate how difficult this process is for you. I believe it is an honor and privilege to work with clients and provide the support needed during challenging times. Through challenges we become even stronger. It can be a relief to share your thoughts,...
The person most likely to benefit from sessions is looking to make changes in their life, and is open to looking at him/herself for the purpose of growing in self-understanding and self-mastery. There are times when the change is as singularly focused as one's own perspective. Exploring one's own strengths, honestly identifying one's areas of need within the context of personal values often bec...
You work hard, are a team-player, may be a bit of an over-achiever, and care deeply about your friends and family. So much in your life seems to be going "right," but deep down you're EXHAUSTED. You're filled with dread the night before you return to work, and your time "off" doesn't feel like it because your mind spins with all the things you have to do or even WANT to do but don't have the ti...
People seek therapy when they feel that what they are experiencing is beyond their capacity to help themselves.This is a powerful moment in a life because it creates a crack through which something new can come in.I feel privileged to have been invited into people's lives over the last 30 years to begin a process that can be transformative....
Change is all around us, as a natural part of every life. It can happen in an instant, or it may come around slowly. Whether you are encountering a situation you didn't expect, or choosing to move forward in a different way, it can be helpful to have a listening ear and supportive presence. As a counselor, my goal is to help you feel heard, understood and companioned on your journey. For 25 yea...
It is not uncommon for people to struggle as they go about their everyday lives. Often these struggles are easily overcome, such as running late for an appointment or getting a flat tire, but at other times these struggles are more serious, affecting individuals at a deeper level. For example, depression can make it difficult to get out of bed in the morning or anxiety can paralyze decision...
I am a long time provider of professional counseling services in Highlands County, Florida. Ideal candidates are those with a willingness to overcome obstacles and grow through the therapeutic process. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Certified Addictions Professional, and a National Certified Counselor. I thrive on helping others to improve the quality of their lives. Extensive work...
The journey of self-discovery and healing is one of the most courageous and rewarding I have found. What I have discovered in my own personal process of growth, awareness and healing and in my work as a therapist with others is that we all have a deep longing for connection, understanding, acceptance, love, and belonging. Gestalt Therapy allows space for the emergence of what is keeping the...
Hello and welcome to my page. My name is Dr. Shawn O'Dell and I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist. I have been in the mental health field for approximately 22 years and have been conducting psychotherapy for approximately 20 years. It is an important life decision when you choose to start therapy. Finding a therapist that fits you well is as equally important. I have had very positive feedbac...
Hello! I am a client-centered therapist who believes in meeting clients where they are in life and using their strengths to guide them. I work with children, adolescents and adults that may need support with working through difficult experiences in their life. I will work with each client to develop goals and a plan to utilize adaptive coping skills to achieve their highest level of functioning...
My approach is a holistic one, helping clients gain awareness of the connections between emotions, thoughts, and the physical body. My work is influenced by experience in hospitals, schools, group practice, and yoga instruction. I offer short-term counseling, and longer term supportive psychotherapy. Treatment style is determined by client need, but is rooted in positive psychology, mindfulness...
I have always wanted to help people. I’ve been able to do that in a variety of ways over the years. Working in domestic violence shelters, agencies that assist child sexual abuse survivors, in-home intensive substance abuse counseling...I’m privileged to have been able to help so many. It truly makes me happy. Now, I have my own practice after all of these years and I couldn’t be more excited t...
Are you feeling stuck, unsure, or disconnected from your life? Are you just needing a confidential space to process the complexities of day to day? Individual therapy is a space for self development. Life happens and this is a great space to assure self care. At Walles Wellness, we acknowledge and honor the strength and courage it takes for someone to talk about themselves. We honor your journe...
Addiction can happen to anyone, and the underlying wounds that fuel it need to be healed. I am honored to accompany my clients on their journey of recovery and offer a non-shaming and affirming treatment philosophy that allows healing in multiple areas, without fear of judgment. I strive to identify and harness their individual strengths, instill hope, and reflect unconditional positive regard ...
Do you feel a loss of identity and purpose in the midst of caregiving demands? Are you caring for everyone except your Self? I have 25 years of experience helping clients and families cope with chronic/ terminal illness, caregiver stress, and grief/loss. I have worked the past 12 years at Hospice of Petaluma and have extensive knowledge of resources in Sonoma County for elders and caregivers. I...
