Counseling for Chronic Illness & Chronic Pain

West Des Moines, IA

Therapy that helps you through your chronic illness & pain to find more peace

You’re sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Learning how to cope with chronic pain and illness makes day-to-day life a challenge. The fatigue, weakness, and exhaustion you feel can make even simple tasks seem impossible. 

You might be living with conditions like:

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Autoimmune issues

  • EDS

  • POTS

  • MCAS

  • Vitamin Deficiencies

  • Surgery Recovery

These challenges take an immense toll on both your body and spirit.  It might be difficult to lift things, walk long distances, or stand for extended periods. When an episode or flare-up happens, it’s scary and overwhelming, leaving you unsure of what to do. You feel alone and misunderstood, searching for answers that seem out of reach.

Navigating the medical system is like a full-time job. You wait anxiously for callbacks or surgery schedules, knowing that one procedure must be completed before another can even be considered. The waiting is nerve-wracking, and managing your appointments becomes a constant, stressful task. You miss out on vacations, traveling to see family, and even work. 

People don’t understand what you’re going through. They might say, “you’re fine” or question why you need another surgery. You worry that people don’t believe you or think less of you. You’re too tired to call your loved ones, often having to cancel plans because you simply don’t feel up to it.

You feel alone and out of control. 

You don’t know if things will ever get better.

Find support and envision a brighter future 

with a therapist who really gets what you’re going through.

You don’t have to navigate chronic pain and illness alone. I understand what you're going through and can help you find relief. In therapy, you’ll experience a safe, calming, and supportive environment where you can express your emotions, frustrations, and sadness. 

As you explore the connection between your mind and body, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how your emotions, physical health, and thoughts work together. Together, we'll work to decrease your depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms that often accompany chronic pain. 

I want you to imagine a future where your pain and stress are reduced, and you experience more peaceful and calm moments.

Chronic Illness & Chronic Pain Counseling can help you:

  • Feel less isolated and alone

  • Learn coping skills that help your pain and anxiety 

  • Discover creative ways to connect deeply with your partner, family, and friends that aren’t impacted by your pain

  • Learn how to navigate the healthcare system better

  • Understand your mind-body connection

Relief is possible. Brighter days are ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chronic Illness & Chronic Pain Counseling

  • Chronic Illness & Chronic Pain Counseling is a specialized type of therapy designed to help you manage the physical and emotional challenges of living with long-term pain and illness. You’ll receive personalized support for your unique needs from a therapist who truly understands what you’re going through. You’ll experience a safe and calming environment where you can express your emotions, frustrations, and sadness. This type of counseling focuses on your mind-body connection, helping you understand how your emotions, physical health, and thoughts work together.

    We’ll work intensively together to get to the root of your concerns and issues, applying a range of effective techniques, including EMDR, to help you heal.

    Symptoms of anxiety disorders can include:

    • Persistent worry or fear

    • Restlessness or feeling on edge

    • Difficulty concentrating

    • Irritability

    • Muscle tension

    • Fatigue or sleep disturbances, such as trouble falling or staying asleep

    • Panic attacks with symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, or feelings of doom

    • Avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety

    • Stomach issues, like cramps or nausea

  • For anyone struggling with the persistent challenges of long-term pain and illness. This includes you if you’re dealing with conditions like:

    • Fibromyalgia

    • Autoimmune issues

    • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

    • Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

    • Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)

    • Chronic fatigue and weakness

    • Recovering from surgeries

    • Vitamin deficiencies

    Or if you simply don’t feel good and are tired of navigating the healthcare system alone, I’m here for you.

  • Therapy may initially bring up strong emotions or stress, which could feel overwhelming, especially if you're already dealing with significant physical or emotional strain. Therapy also requires a financial and time commitment, which might be difficult to manage, especially if you are already dealing with the costs and logistics of managing a chronic illness.

    I’ll work closely with you to prepare you for these risks and mitigate them as best as I can.

  • You’ll receive personalized support, learn coping skills, understand more about your physical body, experience holistic healing, and find hope for brighter days.

Counseling for People Experiencing Chronic Illness & Chronic Pain in West Des Moines, IA