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
Are you having issues with sadness, difficulty with concentration, helplessness, hopelessness, nervousness, or not enjoying activities that you usually enjoy? Sometimes we can attribute these feelings to recent events that took place in your life such as a breakup, job loss, moving to a new location, a recent medical diagnosis, etc. In some cases, the symptoms that you are experiencing might be...
Using a variety of therapeutic tools to create a client-centered, integrated approach to change, I offer a compassionate environment to help you achieve your therapy goals. I welcome diverse clients with a variety of mental health needs, including anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, insomnia, and chronic pain. I focus on your natural strengths and resilience as well as your inherent motivatio...
I have over 20 years of experience effectively helping children, teens, and adults with a wide variety of issues. The majority of my work has been treating depression, anxiety, and relational difficulties, as well as supporting work/ life balance and overall stress management. Additionally, I have worked extensively with women post partum, caregivers, ASD clients and families, and parenting ski...
I work to identify the strengths of my client and then utilize these as we collaborate, accomplishing the client's life goals, navigating stressors and bringing balance and hope to the client's life. Are you tired of sabotaging your success? Do you wish you could get a grip on your anxiety? Why am I so angry all of the time? Other people can quit, why can't I? Will I ever be enough? I believe i...
My approach is down to earth and pragmatic as every person's experiences are unique. Because of this, my eclectic approach focuses on your individual needs. I am a firm believer in empowerment. As such, I often encourage self-determination. Many of my clients have benefited from this approach. My focus is on the whole patient. After 16 years of Lay Counselling, I chose Social Work as a professi...
There are a number of reasons people choose to seek out therapy: grief and loss, an unexpected crisis, or a difficult life transition just to name a few. But when you are dealing with increased stress or feeling "stuck," it can be even more difficult to manage life's challenges or utilize former ways of coping in an effective way. Whatever your reason for seeking out therapy, my goal is to crea...
I view psychotherapy as an opportunity for personal growth and greater self-understanding. While it is important to address specific issues in the here and now, often the process can also lead to broader gains in self-awareness and life satisfaction. My approach is collaborative, supportive, and tailored to each person's unique needs and goals. I will work with you to address your concerns,...
In my practice with the Northern Virginia Older Adult Counseling, LLC, I address the unique challenges of older adults with anxiety, depression, grief recovery and overcoming resistance to change. Additionally, I support families in navigating needs and options through professional assessments, care planning services, and facilitation of family meetings with difficult conversations. My therapeu...
Are you or your child needing guidance in expressing your FEELINGS and EMOTIONS appropriately? Does your child prefer an alternative approach utilizing ART and PLAY therapy? Do you or someone you know need help in making challenging decisions while being in alignment with your FAITH? Would you like to talk to someone who is CALM and NON-JUDGMENTAL? Have you or someone you know been dealing with...
Are you just going though the motions of every day life? Are you exhausted and find yourself unfocused and overwhelmed, yet completely underwhelmed? Perhaps, you are struggling with chronic illness and pain but still feel the weight of the world rests on your shoulders? Do you find yourself escaping into social media or yet again binge watching another season of The Office or another Holiday...
Therapy can empower you to cope with and improve a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, relationships, loss, low self-esteem, past trauma, identity issues, and insecurities. My gentle, strengths-based approach will help you recognize the best in yourself and tolerate difficult feelings, while promoting changes in your life. I have a nonjudgmental attitude and appreciate each...
Life can be messy and difficult at times and often we feel alone in our journey, not knowing how to move forward to find the meaning that we desperately seek. I can help you do the deeper work needed to move towards a more authentic and fulfilling experience while also assisting you in accepting and even embracing wherever you are in your journey right now. I don’t believe in a one size fits al...
When is the last time you felt unconditionally accepted, exactly as you are? It's my belief and experience that among all of our deepest desires is the longing to be fully seen, validated, and loved, when all the masks are taken away - for who we truly and authentically are. I offer a safe, heartfelt, compassionate space in which individuals can reveal their deepest vulnerabilities. I specializ...
My name is Dr. Kendra A. Surmitis, and I provide a comfortable, private space for individuals seeking personalized counseling, mindfulness, and psychoanalytically-informed psychotherapy. Do you wonder about the impact of your early relationships on your ability to enjoy your life and relationships today? Are you interested to learn more about your personality and avenues for greater life...
During this unsettling time of social isolating that we are all in I am offering telehealth through Doxy.me, which is HIPAA compliant and secure. We will be able to see each other on video and talk almost as if we are in person. I understand how upsetting our circumstances can be, especially when compounded with previous issues. Talking to a professional can be extremely helpful and therapeutic...
