Counseling for chronic illness in Sacramento, California

You are likely experiencing some kind of difficulty with your body, the medical establishment, or even the idea of what defines health and illness. You may be searching for a diagnosis, craving a name for what is wrong, and the struggle centers on uncertainty. You may know exactly what is wrong and the struggle is with accepting your reality. You may have emotional suffering that wears you down. You may wonder what is yet to come and find yourself constantly struggling with control and anxiety. No matter the specific struggle, you are sick and tired of being sick and tired! 

I understand how hard this can be. In my work providing counseling for chronic illness in Sacramento, I strive to understand your unique situation and perspective. So we start with your story: the story of your body, your health, and your life. We explore your specific thoughts and various feelings and sensations related to your situation: "the how", "the why", "the wanting to fix", "the wanting to know." We make room for feelings of frustration, guilt, shame, anger, discouragement, or anxiety, while also seeking joy, fulfillment, peace, and happiness. We talk about the connection between the mind and the body, and how that works for you. We identify things you want to change, while honoring and acknowledging your strengths.

I believe healing happens when you move from that place of feeling stuck with what you don't want, to living better with what you do have. This aspect of my therapeutic work providing health psychology in Sacramento brings the most delight: witnessing transformation. Sometimes transformation is an internal process, such as a change in perspective or feeling of peace, regardless of physical health status. Other times transformation is a behavioral change that brings about some type of healing or improvement in your life. 

I've had the privilege of providing consultation and counseling for chronic illness, adjustment to injury, and chronic pain over the course of twenty plus years.  Here are a few examples of the types of issues or conditions my patients have had: rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, cancer, endocrine disorders, orthopedic injuries, low-back pain, fibromyalgia, GI disorders, insomnia and sleep disorders, obesity and eating disorders, other auto-immune disorders, and neurological conditions. 

However, you are NOT defined by your diagnosis or condition(s). In fact, it/they may even be secondary to other important issues you might need help with (like career, or relationships, or loss). That is exactly the point. We look at the whole you and your life in context. Don't think because you might have issues related to your health, that this will need to limit what we work on together. 

I have extensive knowledge and experience helping people cope with and adjust to life with chronic illness or injury. As a Clinical Health Psychologist, with a Ph.D. doctoral degree, I use a scientific basis to help promote health and explore interrelated components of your mind and your body. I use a number of modalities and therapeutic tools to help you with illness and health, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), cognitive-behavioral therapy, clinical hypnosis, mindfulness practices, and motivational approaches. I bring my expertise of psychology, motivation, personality and behavior to my collaboration with your physician(s) and other healthcare professionals to promote a holistic and comprehensive approach to your wellness and health goals.