Coping with Chronic Illness and Rare Disease

Are you managing a chronic illness or rare disease?
You are not alone.

In fact, an astounding 45% of all Americans are living with one or more chronic health care conditions in the United States, mostly invisible to others.

Living with the uncertainty of health flares and the daily stressors of medical routines and case management can impact with daily routines and relationships. Many patients have experienced medical trauma, neglect, and gaslighting. Because many chronic health care conditions are invisible or not identifiable to others, you may not get the support you need. This can contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Developmental Life Transitions
Physical and Emotional Isolation
Missed and Decreased Recreational Time
Relationship Stressors and Dating
Support Group Changes
Medical care managment and financial burdens
Acute, Chronic, Complex, and Medical Trauma

You don’t have a choice in your diagnosis, but you do have a choice in how you manage it. I am here to help make the journey easier. The emotional impact of living with a chronic illness can be isolating, but it does not have to be. Peer reviewed studies have shown that managing your mental health can be just as important as managing your physical health.

I live it and get it. I have over 17 years of experience treating patients, care partners, siblings, and loved ones who live with or support those living with chronic illness. I not only bring my professional, but personal experience to the therapeutic alliance. I live with over 30 chronic health care conditions, so my familiarity is also personal, so, “I get it.”

Individual, Family, Couples, and Group Therapy: Studies have shown the greatest indicator of improved mental and physical health are postive social connections. Living with the emotional burden stress of chronic illness can impact interpersonal relationships. Therapy can improve your insight, coping strategies, and communication skills to improve your relationships with loved ones, giving you the right kind of support. Peer reviewed studies have shown that living with a chronic health care condition can lead to mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, medical trauma, and brain and neurogical condtions such as OCD and ADHD. I can address the underlying clinical mental health conditions. When mental health is more manageble, it provides a greater level of flexibility to navigate the incredibly complicated medical world of chronic illness management.

Consultation and Professional Resources for Professionals: I offer consultation services to psychiatrists, therapists, and other professionals who may not be aware of the intricacies and intersectiion of chronic illness and mental health. I conducted over 40 lectures, in addition to podcasts articles, professional writing and research contributions in the chronic illness and rare disease space for over 17 years. Understanding medical trauma and mental health is vital to working with individuals with chronic health care conditions and their loved ones. Please free to contact me for my CV for further information. and requests for collaboration.