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Therapy for Chronic Illness in Richmond, VA

and virtually across Virginia and 41 PSYPACT states

Living with a chronic illness can feel exhausting—physically, emotionally, and mentally. The day-to-day challenges often extend far beyond medical symptoms, and you can feel burnt out from managing your health problems. We help people navigate the unique challenges of chronic illness with specialized therapeutic techniques.

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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

Connective tissue disorders

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Hypermobility spectrum disorder

Epilepsy

Chronic headaches

Hypertension

Heart disease

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How does mental health treatment help my chronic illness?

Therapy in 5 phases

01 Phase 1

Emotional processing.

First, we identify the core emotional challenges that your illness has caused. Common themes are grief over the life you thought you would have, anger at your body or illness, and fear over what the future holds.

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02 Phase 2

Re-wiring the fight or flight response

Then, we can begin work on orienting your body toward safety. Chronic illness can lead you to be consistently in a state of stress, or “fight or flight” and lead to burnout. Through physiological relaxation, mindfulness training geared toward your illness and body, we can help interrupt the stress-symptom-fear cycle

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03 Phase 3

Cultivating a healthy mindset

In this stage we work on addressing any personal beliefs holding you back, negative messages you have heard and internalized, and creating a new narrative for who you are. This new mindset will be one of strength and resilience, not one of ‘brokenness.’ Together, we can re-write your story.

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04 Phase 4

Developing effective communication skills

Communication is vital in chronic illness. In sessions, we will work on the communication strategies you use with your care team, friends, and family. We will reduce guilt about having a chronic illness and voice your needs in an effective way that gets your needs met.

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05 Phase 5

Creating the next chapter

Finally, we work on identifying your true values and discovering the life you want to live, even with your chronic illness. Then, we work on taking small and achievable steps toward that life and putting into action the routines and habits that help you get there.

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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.