Finally, a Chronic Illness Therapy Intensive designed specifically for women.
Because let’s face, it, women bear the brunt of the burden of chronic illness.
Women are 4 times more likely to have autoimmune disorders than men. And for many diseases, the rate is much higher. Because of this, women with chronic illness tend to experience:
Symptom minimization or dismissal from medical professionals
Higher chance of being labeled as “anxious” instead of medically evaluated
Longer diagnostic journeys
Being expected to “push through” because symptoms aren’t readily visible
A higher burden of self-advocacy
Feelings of isolation from invalidation of their illness or symptoms by friends or family
Significant impacts on their identity as “caregiver” “professional” “parent,” or a sense of failure that they can’t keep up with life’s demands
Medical trauma
You may be skeptical of mental health professionals.
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. In this intensive, 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 while respecting the full truth of what your body has been carrying.
What the therapy intensive for women will cover
In this intensive, we spend two full hours together for 4-5 sessions focusing on the pieces of your experience that have been so often overlooked. We’ll take a look at topics like:
How to rebuild trust with your body after years of dismissal
Making space for the grief, anger, and resilience that come with living in a body that has been minimized for far too long.
Developing tools to navigate medical appointments with more confidence
Reducing the self-blame that comes from long diagnostic journeys
Strengthening boundaries around rest and energy
Language that helps you advocate for yourself without burning out.
Practical coping strategies for pain, fatigue, and unpredictability.
Unlike traditional weekly sessions…
Therapy intensives involve extended time so we can create space for deeper healing and meaningful progress. This approach allows 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chronic Illness Therapy Intensives
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The Chronic Illness Therapy Intensive is a short-term, focused program designed for individuals seeking more rapid progress or deeper support. It typically includes five sessions, two hours each, scheduled over several weeks. This format allows for extended time to process experiences, build skills, and develop a personalized care plan tailored to your health needs.
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This therapy intensive was designed specifically for women who tend to put their own emotional and physical health on the backburner and are ready to change that narrative.
Intensives are especially helpful for people who find traditional weekly therapy too slow or who need flexible scheduling around treatment or symptom fluctuations.
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Yes. We offer the intensive virtually for clients across Virginia and other PSYPACT states, allowing you to access care from home — an important option if travel, fatigue, or pain make in-person therapy challenging.
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We are an out-of-network provider and do not bill insurance directly. This allows us to protect your privacy, avoid diagnostic labeling, and tailor treatment to your specific needs rather than to insurance limitations. Many clients appreciate the flexibility this provides — such as longer sessions, individualized pacing, and care that focuses on your goals, not a checklist. We can provide a superbill if you’d like to seek reimbursement from your insurance company.