Medical/Health Crises

Have you recently been diagnosed with a chronic or life threatening illness or love someone who has? Experiencing fear, sadness or anger about a health concern? Struggling to care for a loved one? Trying to manage chronic pain issues? Having difficulty navigating the healthcare system? Overwhelmed by health and medical challenges? Tired of having your illness take over your life? Feeling like no one understands what you are going through?

You are not alone and we can help. Our therapists have both professional and personal experience and training to help you navigate many of the issues common to health concerns, such as:

Exploring the next steps to take to cure or manage your illness
Self-esteem and identity issues post-diagnosis
Control issues
Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
Seeking and receiving help
Worry and anxiety
Sadness, grief and depression
Taking charge of your own health
Self-care
Stress-reduction techniques
Achieving wellness
Caregiving
Pain management
Isolation and loneliness
Facing your own mortality

We all experience illness at some point in our lives, either directly (ourselves) or indirectly (our loved ones). Whether chronic or life-threatening, illness is often a surprise and never a welcome one. It is usually accompanied by fear, dread, anger, sadness, or all of the above. You may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. Our therapists have experience working with patients and families coping with medical crises, and have also dealt with some of their own. We understand the impact that health and illness has on all spheres of life, not just physical health.

We know how hard it can be to accept help. We understand that the mental anguish caused by a physical disease can actually exacerbate the physical symptoms that you are suffering. We can help minimize the stress and pain that you are experiencing with pain management and stress reduction techniques. We can support you as you navigate the ups and downs of your illness, as well as assist in finding additional resources when you may need them. We will help you to gain control when your world suddenly seems to have turned upside down. We will help you learn to manage your illness, and to take charge of your own health. And, when necessary, we can stand by you when you grieve for that which you have suffered and lost. Through it all, we will validate your experiences and bear witness to your struggles; you do not have to face them alone.