Mental Health Treatment for Chronic Illness

A Path to Relief

Living with a chronic illness can feel overwhelming—especially when medical treatments don’t seem to help and doctors are left without answers. If you’ve tried countless interventions and are still struggling with persistent symptoms, it’s time to consider another approach: addressing the emotional components of your illness.

The Connection Between Emotions and Chronic Illness

The body and mind are deeply connected, and unresolved emotional pain or stress can contribute to ongoing physical symptoms. Chronic illnesses like Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and others can sometimes be amplified by emotional factors, even when the root cause isn’t immediately clear. By addressing these emotional components, it’s possible to experience significant relief—even in situations where traditional medicine hasn’t worked.

  • My Approach to Treating Chronic Illness

    Each person’s experience of chronic illness is unique, and my approach is designed to reflect that. Together, we’ll:

    Identify Emotional Triggers: We’ll uncover the emotional patterns and unresolved issues that may be contributing to your symptoms.

    Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Chronic stress can exacerbate physical symptoms. I’ll help you develop practical techniques to manage stress and promote relaxation.

    Challenge Limiting Beliefs: We’ll address harmful beliefs about your illness and your ability to recover, replacing them with empowering perspectives.

    Build Emotional Resilience: By strengthening your emotional resilience, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges of chronic illness.

    Encourage Mind-Body Healing: Using proven strategies, we’ll work to align your emotional and physical well-being for holistic improvement.

  • What You Can Expect

    When we work together, you can expect a direct, results-focused approach. I tailor each session to meet your specific needs, ensuring we address what matters most to you. Between sessions, I’ll encourage you to take meaningful steps toward healing, so your progress continues outside our time together.

  • It's Possible

    My clients have experienced significant improvements by addressing the emotional aspects of their chronic illness. For example, individuals with chronic Lyme disease have found relief from pain and fatigue after working through emotional stressors that were holding them back. Counseling might break your cycle of frustration and discomfort—healing is possible.

What to know….

The Mind and Body Are Connected
Chronic stress, unresolved trauma, and persistent anxiety can intensify physical symptoms. Many doctors recognize this connection, as seen in the way digestive issues like IBS are often linked to emotional factors such as stress and anxiety. Addressing these emotional factors can create space for your body to heal.

Your Pain Is Real
The connection between emotions and physical symptoms doesn’t mean your illness is “all in your head.” It’s real, and acknowledging the emotional impact is a key step toward relief. The body is actually experiencing pain, and the body will physically change when the emotional connection changes.

Healing Is Holistic
True recovery involves more than just physical treatment. By exploring the emotional elements of your illness, you can support both your mind and body.

You Can Regain Control
Feeling stuck or hopeless is common for those with chronic illness, but emotional healing can help you reclaim a sense of control over your life and well-being.

Progress Takes Time
Healing chronic illness is a journey. With patience, commitment, and the right support, you can experience meaningful and lasting improvement.

Examples

  • Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD)

  • Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FNSD)

    In these examples, the patient experiences significant pain in a particular area. The current medical understanding is that there is not a physical problem causing the pain but it is more emotionally driven (but the pain is still physically happening.) Treatment includes both physical and psychological therapy.