Counseling for Chronic Illness & Medical Trauma

Do you live with Chronic Illness or a chronic health condition?

Maybe…

• The people around you don’t understand what you are going through - whether it’s chronic pain, fatigue, digestional issues, sleep disturbances, etc

• You feel alone and isolated because of your health issues

• People forget that you are dealing with health issues and act like everything is normal

• On good days you may feel guilty because it seems like you’re “faking it” or you push yourself too hard and end up feeling worse the rest of the week

• You’re unsure if you’ve been talking about your health issues too much or not enough

• You feel pressure to stay positive and upbeat, not “complaining” or showing signs that you are in pain or discomfort 

Have you received a difficult Medical Diagnosis?

Maybe…

• You never expected this and didn’t see it coming

• You feel worried about what’s going to happen to you and your family

• You don't want to burden others but you know they are worried about you

• You feel like you can’t talk about your illness or treatment because others will feel uncomfortable

• You’re tired of people telling you about someone else that they know who has a similar condition and they recommend you try supplements, smoothies, or alternative remedies - as if you hadn’t thought about that already

• You are frustrated when people say, "You're so strong" and you think to yourself, “No, I'm just trying to survive.  What other choice do I have?”

Have you experienced Medical Trauma?

Maybe you…

• Have bad memories, nightmares, or flashbacks of injuries or medical experiences

• Have felt unheard, disrespected, or misunderstood by doctors or medical staff

• Experience feelings of dread and fear about going to a medical office or facility

• Suddenly get hit with strong feelings of being out of control or helpless

• Are having trouble calling to make a medical appt, getting lab work or a procedure

Are you a Cancer survivor?

Maybe you…

• Are fearful that the cancer will come back

• Feel sadness about how your life or your body has changed

• Are worried about your family and what they went through while you were in treatment

• Feel pressure to be “celebrating” that you’re cancer-free,  when cancer is the last thing you want to celebrate, especially because of all that cancer took from you

• Experience guilt that you are in remission when others are still in treatment or died

• Are not sure how to exist in the aftermath of cancer 

I’ve been there.

You don’t have to do it alone.

I’m so sorry for what you are going through.  I know first hand how difficult health conditions and medical trauma can be.  I want to be a person that is in your corner - someone that you can share your most unfiltered, unapologetic feelings and reactions with.    Dealing with chronic illness & medical trauma is so complex.  It impacts us in more ways that we realize.  There are so many invisible tolls that health issues take on a person (and their family members) that you would never know about unless you have lived it yourself.  And I have. 

Having to go through a medical issue is hard enough, but feeling alone or misunderstood may be even worse.  You want to share your feelings with your friends and family, but maybe you aren’t  able to rely on them for emotional support.  They are dealing with their own emotions. Maybe they  may minimize your concerns because they need you to be okay.   Therapy can give you a place where you can feel heard and there’s no wrong way to think or feel.

I’m here to help you understand and express how you’re feeling & what this journey has been like for you.  Together we can process all the different emotions that you hold inside.  I can help you to  get relief from scary memories that have stuck with you.  Therapy can even help to alleviate some of the physical sensations of pain, tension, and discomfort in your body.  

I can also help with practical things like being able to call the doctor or walk into an appointment without overwhelming dread or debilitating fear.  You can feel more peace and acceptance that there will be good days and bad. 

And because you are not your illness, we can talk about anything and everything - completely unrelated to sickness, treatment, or test results.  Because sometimes we just need to remember who we are and who we were before all this began.  I know it can be an emotional journey, full of grief.  I’m here to help you every step of the way.