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Therapy for Chronic Illness in Richmond, VA

and virtually across Virginia and 43 PSYPACT states

Living with a chronic illness is exhausting, physically, emotionally, and mentally. The day-to-day challenges often extend far beyond medical symptoms, and you’ve probably learned that even getting the care you need can be a full-time job. We help people navigate the unique challenges of chronic illness with specialized therapeutic techniques. And no, we won’t tell you it’s “just anxiety.”

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You may be skeptical of mental health professionals, and that’s okay.

We get it. If you’ve lived with chronic illness for a while, you might feel cautious, or even frustrated, when someone suggests therapy. Maybe you’ve had providers dismiss your symptoms as “just stress,” or you’ve been told to “relax” instead of being taken seriously. It makes sense that you’d hesitate to open up to yet another professional. But if you’re tired of holding it all together, we’re here to help. In therapy, we move at your pace and honor the reality of your physical symptoms. My role isn’t to question your experience, it’s to help you make sense of the emotional toll of chronic illness, respect what your body has been carrying, and offer expertise and tools to help you live better with what you’ve been given.

How does mental health treatment help my chronic illness?

Together, we can work on:

Rebuilding trust with your body after years of dismissal

Making space for the grief, anger, and resilience that come with living in a body that is unpredictable and doesn’t always cooperate
Developing tools to navigate medical appointments with more confidence
Reducing the burn out that comes from long diagnostic journeys
Strengthening boundaries around rest and energy
Creating language that helps you advocate for yourself without burning out.
Implementing practical coping strategies for pain, fatigue, and unpredictability.

We also offer extended sessions for those who would like more time to create space for deeper healing and meaningful progress in their chronic illness journey.

Extended sessions allow you to slow down, reflect, and process what your illness experience has brought up, all while going through science-backed interventions to help you manage your day-to-day better.

Working with a chronic illness therapist offers a safe space to process the ups and downs of your diagnosis and find ways to stay connected to what makes life meaningful.

THERAPY FOCUS AREAS

Autoimmune disorders

Type 1 diabetes
Rheumatoid arthritis
Lupus
Crohn’s disease
Celiac disease
Multiple Sclerosis

Connective tissue disorders

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Hypermobility spectrum disorder

Epilepsy

Chronic headaches

Hypertension

Heart disease

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Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy for Chronic Illness

Therapy for chronic illness focuses on helping you cope with the emotional, mental, and lifestyle challenges that come with living with long-term health conditions. It can help you manage anxiety, depression, medical trauma, fatigue, and changes in identity or daily functioning.
Yes. It’s designed for people whose emotional well-being is closely tied to their physical health. Health psychologists and therapists trained in behavioral medicine understand the complex relationship between body and mind and can tailor sessions to your unique medical and emotional needs.
Yes. We provide telehealth therapy for clients across Virginia and in PSYPACT-participating states. Online sessions can be especially helpful if symptoms or mobility challenges make travel difficult.

We work with adults managing a wide range of conditions, including autoimmune diseases (such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s and multiple sclerosis), diabetes, gastrointestinal conditions, chronic migraines, long COVID, chronic fatigue, and other complex or invisible illnesses. We also support people adjusting to new diagnoses or navigating multiple health challenges.
Absolutely! We know that for many people it’s essential to have in-person appointments to feel like you’re in a safe and supportive environment. We welcome you at our office in Richmond, VA and would love to see you there.