IN-PERSON AND ONLINE CHRONIC ILLNESS COUNSELING IN MOUNT PLEASANT & ACROSS SC & PA
True wellness isn’t the absence of challenges—it's discovering inner strength & joy despite them.Support for your chronic illness or autoimmune condition.
Just because your illness is invisible doesn’t mean you aren’t suffering.
Living with chronic illness and autoimmune conditions can feel like a never-ending uphill battle, leaving you drained both physically and mentally. It's tough when those around you don't understand the constant exhaustion you're facing. Even though you're doing your best to navigate through each day, it can feel like nobody sees the real you—the one who's fighting this battle every moment of every day.
I want you to know you're not defined by your illness: it's a piece of you, but it isn’t who you are. You can feel empowered as you learn to manage symptoms and foster a sense of agency over your health, ultimately enhancing your quality of life. It’s not fair that you have to deal with this, but in coming here now, you’re showing yourself how strong you are by tackling this challenge head-on.
Thoughts in your head might sound like…
“No one knows what I’m going through”
“Everyone doesn’t believe me because I don’t look sick”
“I don’t do the things I love anymore”
“Am I ever going to feel like myself again?”
“I miss my old life when I didn’t feel this way”
“This is so unfair”
“I don’t have the motivation or energy to do anything”
HOW IT WORKS
What to Expect from Therapy for Chronic Illness & Autoimmune Conditions
Chronic illnesses are long-term health conditions that persist over an extended period, often for years or even a lifetime. Sometimes these challenges have a diagnosis, while others never have a formal name. Both can turn your life upside down with the difficult symptoms often being completely invisible.
It’s discouraging to seek help or answers when people write your symptoms off as “all in your head.” I want you to know that you’ve come to a place where everything you feel, experience, and sense in your body is viewed as real and valid. Honesty is a core value of mine, and I’ll always remind you of the role that choice plays in your life. You are so much more than this illness and even though right now it feels like your life revolves around it, it doesn’t have to stay that way.
It’s time to take back control over your narrative and reframe these thought patterns so you can become who you want to be.
Therapy can play a crucial role in managing the challenges associated with chronic illness and autoimmune conditions. I believe in providing a safe and supportive space for you to express and process the emotions that arise with these types of conditions. The future you envisioned for yourself is so different than how things look now. It’s a process of grieving as you mourn the life you thought you'd have while trying to make sense of the one you're actually living. And on top of that, the uncertainty of your health can be overwhelming.
With me as a therapist, you’ll find a non-judgmental environment where you can explore and process all of these feelings. Together we’ll use a holistic perspective on your wellness to address not just the physical symptoms of your condition but also nurturing your mental and emotional well-being. Oftentimes, this will include setting achievable goals to help you build a life that is defined by much more than your diagnosis.
You don’t have to face this alone anymore.
Can therapy help me cope with the stress and anxiety related to managing my condition?
Absolutely. Therapy can provide you with tools to manage stress, anxiety, and any other difficult emotions you may experience. We'll work together to develop coping mechanisms and resilience in the face of these challenges.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are you experienced in working with individuals who have chronic illnesses or autoimmune conditions?
Yes, I have extensive experience working with individuals living with chronic illnesses and autoimmune conditions. Because it’s a specialty of mine, I understand the unique challenges and complexities these conditions bring to one's life, and I can draw upon my own experiences both personally and professionally to tailor my approach to best help you.
Can therapy help me navigate relationships with friends, family, or coworkers who may not understand my condition?
Yes. We can work on communication skills, boundary-setting, and educating loved ones so you can have more meaningful interactions and relationships. Therapy can provide a safe space to process any interpersonal challenges and develop strategies for navigating these relationships more effectively.
How do you address feelings of grief, loss, or frustration that often come with having a chronic illness or autoimmune condition?
I provide a compassionate and empathetic space to explore these difficult emotions. We'll work together to validate your experiences, process feelings of loss or frustration, and find meaning and acceptance in the midst of adversity.
What if my illness or condition isn’t common?
You are more than welcome here and I would be happy to help. I have a wide range of experience working with all types of specific challenges and my own health experiences to draw upon. If you have more questions or concerns, please feel free to schedule a consultation HERE.
Do you support clients beyond medical treatment?
Yes! I realize that navigating chronic illness and autoimmune involves a lot more than just a visit to the doctor. I believe in supporting you holistically, so I’m happy to help you connect with providers and speak with them in-depth so they can better understand your condition. You might need help navigating appointments or understanding treatment options and I’ll be here to support you in that process.